The Catholic News Agency (CNA) obtained a letter from the Vatican stating that Fr. Frank Pavone, the founder and Director of Priests for Life was defrocked due to social media posts found to be blasphemous. Fr. Frank Pavone was also a religious advisor to President Trump and served in leadership positions for his 2020 campaign. Additionally, he served on the Catholic Advisory Board and was named the national co-chair of Pro-Life Voices for Trump.
In a Dec. 13 letter to U.S. bishops obtained by CNA and confirmed by multiple sources as authentic, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, wrote that the prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy issued the decision on Nov. 9, adding that there was “no possibility of appeal.”
“Father Pavone was given ample opportunity to defend himself in the canonical proceedings, and he was also given multiple opportunities to submit himself to the authority of his diocesan bishop,” explains a separate statement attached to Pierre’s letter. “It was determined that Father Pavone had no reasonable justification for his actions.”
“Since Priests for Life, Inc. is not a Catholic organization, Mr. Pavone’s continuing role in it as a lay person would be entirely up to the leadership of that organization,” the statement says.
The Background of Priests for Life
In 1993, Cardinal O’Connor granted a request from Fr. Frank Pavone to work full-time in the pro-life ministry. In 2005, the Congregation for Clergy granted Fr. Pavone’s request for excardination from New York to Amarillo, Texas where Fr. Pavone could further deepen his pro-life ministry.
Other Organizations
Fr. Frank Pavone has served as the Pastoral Director of Rachel’s Vineyard, the world’s largest ministry for healing after abortion. He also works with Silent No More, through which those who have had abortions share their stories of forgiveness and healing.
Fr. Frank Pavone’s Statement
Fr. Pavone’s full statement can be found on the Priests for Life website. Fr. Pavone will continue to serve as Director of Priests for Life. He will continue his courageous work in the pro-life ministry.
