Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s office said it remains committed to resolving sexual abuse allegations “in a manner that is as just as possible for all involved.”
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro
A Falmouth-area priest placed on leave for a year has returned to service after being cleared by the Archdiocese of Boston.
The Rev. Joseph Byrne is no longer on administrative leave and is currently assigned to the role of senior priest, the archdiocese said Thursday in a statement.
“The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that the allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Joseph F. Byrne has been found to be unsubstantiated,” the archdiocese said. “In reaching this decision, Cardinal Sean O’Malley reaffirmed his care and concern for all persons impacted by the reality of sexual abuse of children. The cardinal and the archdiocese remain committed to resolving cases of this nature in a manner that is as just as possible for all involved.”
Last May, the archdiocese received claims that Byrne had sexually abused a child during the 1970s, and he was placed on leave.
Before being assigned to Cape Cod, Byrne served in Waltham for eight years.
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