Malvern Priest Suspended as Archdiocese Prepares to Investigate Abuse Allegations

A priest with local ties was on the list released by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Wednesday in connection with the church sex-abuse scandal.

Rev. Peter J. Talocci from in Malvern was put on administrative leave while Archdiocese officials investigate allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

A grand jury report released last month stated dozens of priests remained in active ministry even though what the jury deemed credible allegations had been lodged against them.

"In each case, the next step is a thorough indepedent investigation," according to a press release from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The statement included portions of yesterday's press release, including Cardinal Rigali's emphasis that "administrative leaves are interim measures. They are not in any way final determinations or judgments."

"I know that for many people their trust in the Church has been shaken," Rigali stated in the press release. "I pray that the efforts of the Archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice."

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a full list of the priests placed on administrative leave.