Statement of Jeffrey S. Lena Regarding Release of Documents in Doe v.

Holy See
In John V. Doe v. Holy See, a case against the Holy See and a province of the Friar Servants of Mary, the plaintiff states that he was sexually abused in 1965 by Servite priest Andrew Ronan in Portland, Oregon. For years, the plaintiffs lawyers have accused the Holy See of transferring Ronan to Portland with prior knowledge that Ronan posed a danger to minors. The federal courts have dismissed most of the Doe lawsuit. Today, to assist the Oregon federal district court in resolving the sole remaining jurisdictional issue in the case, the Holy See is releasing all known documents relating to Ronan held by the Roman Curia. Like other documents previously produced by the Servite Order and the Portland Archdiocese, these newly-released documents show that the plaintiffs lawyers long-standing accusations against the Holy See are false. The Holy See was not involved in Ronans transfers, including the transfer to Portland, and had no prior knowledge that Ronan posed a danger to minors. Instead, the documents confirm that the Servite Order first informed the Holy See of Ronans misconduct when Ronan petitioned for laicization in February 1966 after the plaintiffs abuse and that the Holy See granted the petition for laicization just weeks later. The plaintiffs lawyers never had support for their calumnious accusations against the Holy See. They have nonetheless chosen to misuse the legal system as a vehicle to pursue a broader agenda a decision that has misled the public and wasted considerable resources. Notwithstanding the plaintiffs lawyers regrettable conduct, it is important to remember that any abuse suffered by this plaintiff, or any other victim of sexual abuse, is deplorable. Contact: Name: Telephone: E-mail: Jeffrey S. Lena Counsel for the Holy See (510) 847-3181 jlena@sbcglobal.net

1953 RONAN FILE (SACRED CONGREGATION FOR RELIGIOUS)

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1966 RONAN FILE (SACRED CONGREGATION FOR RELIGIOUS)

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1966 RONAN FILE (SACRED CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY OFFICE)

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