St Paul, Minnesota

Archbishop restricts public ministry of predecessor

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St Paul and Minneapolis has clarified that his predecessor, Archbishop John Nienstedt, is not free to exercise public ministry in the archdiocese until “all open allegations are resolved”. Archbishop Hebda said he was “frustrated” that a Vatican investigation into allegations appeared to come to an end in 2015 when Archbishop Nienstedt resigned. He said he hoped his announcement “prompts further action by those with authority … to resolve this question”. Archbishop Nienstedt has denied the allegations. Archbishop Hebda said his statement was “not intended to convey an indication of guilt”.