Pope Benedict XVI Removes Youngstown Priest

As we first reported Friday, the Diocese of Youngstown issued a statement Monday alerting the public that they have been notified by the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the request of Thomas Crum and removed him from the priesthood.

Crum was removed from active priesthood in 2009 in response to credible accusations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. After these accusations were made public, Crum sought removal from the priesthood.

The diocese said that removal from the priesthood means that in accord with canon law, he may not function as a priest anywhere, with the exception of offering absolution to the dying.

Crum was placed on leave in June 2009 after being accused of sexual misconduct with a student when he taught at Cardinal Mooney in the mid-1970s.