Monsignor Roger Landry, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA and a longtime contributor to Church commentary and analysis at EWTN Global Catholic Network, said on Sept. 11 that he was taking a "temporary leave of absence" amid unspecified allegations from "multiple individuals."
There were "no allegations involving minors," the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, said on Sept. 11, while Landry in a statement further said there were "no allegations of sexual activity whatsoever."
The Fall River Diocese where Landry serves as a priest said in its statement that it had received allegations that included violations of priestly codes of conduct for both the Fall River Diocese and the Archdiocese of New York, the latter in which Landry currently serves.
Diocesan leaders determined "that sufficient evidence exists to restrict [Landry] from the public exercise of priestly ministry, pending the resolution of this matter," a decision it said was in line with its own policy.
The statement said Landry "is entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigation continues."
In his own statement also released on Sept. 11, Landry said he himself opted for a voluntary leave of absence from the pontifical mission directorship, a departure he described as "temporary."
The priest said he had been told by the Fall River Diocese that the accusations "involve alleged violations of prudence, pastoral boundaries, and diocesan codes of conduct with adults."
"There are no allegations of sexual activity whatsoever or of misconduct of any kind with a minor," he said. "I maintain my innocence of any canonical violation or crime and will continue to defend my reputation to the best of my ability under the law of the Church."
"Those who have raised concerns deserve to be heard," he continued. "I am grateful that canon law respects my natural human right to be presumed innocent and the right to protect the good reputation I have enjoyed throughout the many years the Lord has given me the privilege to serve Him and His holy people."
He asked for prayers "for me and all those concerned," including Fall River Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, SDV, as well as those involved with the investigation and "those who have brought these accusations."
In a separate statement on Sept. 11, the Pontifical Mission Societies USA said its chief operating officer Douglas Culp would serve as interim national director following Landry's leave of absence.
Landry, who was ordained to the priesthood by then-Fall River Bishop Seán Patrick O'Malley in 1999, has served a variety of prominent roles in the U.S. Church.
He was named by the Vatican as the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA in September 2024. That position came after he had served a leadership role in that year's National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as a chaplain along the pilgrimage's Seton Route.
At the time of that appointment he was also serving as chaplain at Columbia University in New York, having been appointed there by Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
He had previously served at the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis in 2016. He was named a monsignor by Pope Francis in 2024.
He has been a contributor to EWTN for many years, writing columns regularly for the National Catholic Register and frequently appearing as a guest on programs such as "Conversations with Consequences."
Landry has also served as an expert commentator for the network's television coverage, including during the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
In a statement on Sept. 11, Michael Warsaw, chairman of the board and CEO of EWTN Global Catholic Network, said EWTN was "deeply grateful for Monsignor Roger Landry's 27 years of faithful priestly ministry and service to the universal Church."
"We are heartbroken by this painful situation involving Monsignor Landry, a longtime friend and valued collaborator who has contributed greatly to the Network's mission of evangelization," Warsaw said. "EWTN takes concerns of this nature seriously and is following its established internal protocols while awaiting the outcome of the diocesan investigation."
"It is essential that those who have raised concerns be treated with dignity, respect, and pastoral care, and that Monsignor Landry be afforded fairness, a timely process, and the presumption of innocence," Warsaw continued, adding that the network holds "everyone involved in our prayers, asking that this matter be resolved in truth and charity, without unnecessary delay, and trusting that Monsignor Landry may soon return to active priestly ministry in service to the Church."
Canonical process involves investigation, diocesan review
Monsignor William King, a professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America, told EWTN News on Sept. 11 that typically in such situations a diocese will respond first by launching a preliminary investigation.
The diocesan bishop would appoint an investigator, which may or may not be a priest. "The investigator has pretty broad powers to ask questions and seek evidence, and then when that's finished, he would bring it back to the bishop and the bishop would decide if there's sufficient evidence to move on to the next step," King said.
The bishop would then likely consult with canon law experts. After the preliminary process is complete, King said, a bishop will determine whether or not to proceed with a penal process, which could involve a tribunal or else an administrative process.
Landry in his statement on Sept. 11 said he was told the process "might take up to several months."
"I am cooperating fully with the investigation, with trust that a fair investigation will establish the truth that the Lord promises will set us free," he said.
This story was updated on Sept. 11 at 2:20 p.m. ET with information from a statement by the Pontifical Mission Societies USA.
