The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the request of Francis J. Gallagher to be removed from the clerical state was granted.

Because of known sexual misconduct, Francis J. Gallagher was removed from active ministry in 2002. Subsequently, he sought removal from the clerical state. Francis Gallagher functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from May 1973 to March 2002 during which time he served at Saint Katharine of Siena, Wayne; Immaculate Conception, Jenkintown; Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales, and Saint Henry, Philadelphia. While in the education apostolate Francis Gallagher was on the faculty of Cardinal O’Hara High School and Cardinal Dougherty High School and lived at Saint John Chrysostom, Wallingford. Francis Gallagher also served as Auditor in the Office of the Metropolitan Tribunal.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law Francis J. Gallagher is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia realizes that this information may be painful for those who have experienced sexual abuse and encourages anyone who wishes to make a report of sexual abuse of a minor to contact the Victim Assistance Program at 1-888-800-8780.

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Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747