According to a March 4, 2009 report by Denny Walsh in the Sacramento Bee, a federal appellate panel ruled that a Portland man can sue the Vatican over alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by Father Andrew Ronan.
John V. Doe, as this man is suing as, names the Holy See as the defendant in his case for monetary compensation. The federal appellate panel agrees that Doe has the right to file this suit due to the Roman doctrine respondeat superior, meaning "let the master answer." Because the Holy See employed and placed Father Ronan in his position in the Portland Archdiocese, the appellate judges concluded that Doe can lawfully pursue his clergy abuse suit against the Vatican.
The sexual abuse reported by Doe occured in or around 1965 when Doe was 15 or 16 during Father Ronan's placement at St. Albert's Church in Portland. According to Doe, he was not Ronan's first victim and alleges that there were at least four other victims at other areas in the United States and in Ireland.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a Catholic priest, please contact the Zalkin Law Firm. As a legal group dedicated to providing representation, support and counsel to survivors of clergy abuse, they can offer you necessary legal resources.
