Priest from Diocese of Providence placed on leave due to allegation of sexual abuse of a minor

A local priest who was serving at a church where a school was on the grounds, has stepped down.

Rev. Francis C. Santilli, a priest of the Diocese of Providence, has been placed on administrative leave as
a result of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, allegedly having occurred approximately 40 years ago.

In accordance with diocesan policies, Fr. Santilli will not exercise public ministry or reside on church property pending the outcome of an investigation. Consistent with longstanding practice, the Diocese of Providence is cooperating fully with law enforcement and the Office of the Attorney General. Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, accepted the resignation of Fr. Santilli as Pastor of St. Philip Parish in Greenville, and appointed Rev. Phillip J. Dufour—previously Assistant Pastor—as Administrator Pro Tem of the parish. Bishop Tobin emphasized, “Allegations of sexual abuse by clergy, even if they occurred decades ago, always must be taken seriously. I will be praying for all who are involved and affected by this difficult news.”

Fr. Santilli was ordained a priest in 1980 and was assigned Pastor of St. Philip Parish, Greenville, R.I., on
July 1, 2010.

The Diocese of Providence encourages anyone who knows of, suspects, or has been a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a church employee or volunteer to contact the Office of Compliance at 401-941- 0760 or compliance@dioceseofprovidence.org or the Rhode Island State Police or Office of the Attorney General.

Assignment History

Our Lady of Lourdes (Providence) Deacon Assignment 1979 1980
Priesthood Ordination 6/27/1980
St. Joseph Hospital (Providence) Assistant Chaplain (Temporary) 7/11/1980 9/1/1980
St. Charles Borromeo (Woonsocket) Assistant Pastor 9/1/1980 8/31/1984
St. Pius X (Westerly) Assistant Pastor 8/31/1984 8/19/1988
Office for Vocations (Providence) Vocations Recruiter (Part-time) 3/11/1987 8/19/1988
Office for Vocations (Providence) Assistant Director 8/19/1988 8/8/1991
St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket) Chaplain (Part-time) 8/19/1988 9/1/1999
St. Vincent House of Formation (Prov.) Formation Team 8/19/1988 8/8/1991
St. Cecilia (Pawtucket) Assistant Pastor 8/8/1991 6/27/1997
St. Cecilia (Pawtucket) Pastor 6/27/1997 7/1/2004
St. Paul (Cranston) Pastor 7/1/2004 7/1/2010
North American College (Rome) Sabbatical Studies 1/30/2006 5/1/2006
St. Philip (Greenville) Pastor 7/1/2010 2/3/2022