Bishop-elect resigns after abuse accusation

The South Dakota priest appointed to lead the Diocese of Duluth in June has resigned after being accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Pope Francis had appointed The Rev. Michel J. Mulloy, from the Diocese of Rapid City, to be the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Duluth.

The Rev. James B. Bissonette, administrator for the Duluth diocese, issued the following statement on Monday, Sept. 7:

"I have learned that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of bishop-elect Michel Mulloy. Sadly, that notification was accompanied by an announcement from the Diocese of Rapid City of an accusation of sexual abuse of a minor made against Father Mulloy as a priest of that diocese. We grieve with all who have suffered sexual abuse and their loved ones. I ask you to pray for the person who has come forward with this accusation, for Father Mulloy, for the faithful of our diocese, and for all affected. We place our hope and trust in God's providence as we await, again, the appointment of our next bishop."

Mulloy had been appointed to succeed Paul Sirba - who died Dec. 1, 2019 - and was scheduled to be ordained and installed in Duluth on Oct. 1.

Mulloy was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sioux Falls in 1979. He served parishes in both the Sioux Falls and Rapid City dioceses before being formally placed in the Rapid City diocese in 1986. He has spent most of his ministry serving in parishes until his appointment as vicar general in 2017 and his subsequent election in 2019 as diocesan administrator after Rapid City's bishop was transferred to another diocese.

Rapid City Bishop Peter Muhich, a former pastor in Duluth, was installed as Rapid City's bishop July 9. He told police about the accusation and Mulloy was directed to refrain from engaging in ministry.