Priest Placed On Leave After Sex Abuse Allegations Surface

PLUM, PA - The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has placed a priest on administrative leave after allegations he sexually abused a minor in the 1990s while serving as pastor of Our Lady of Joy Parish in Holiday Park.

The Rev. Robert Cedolia currently is priest and administrator of the parishes of Saint Claire in Clairton, Holy Spirit in West Mifflin, Saint Thomas a Becket in Jefferson Hills and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Pleasant Hills.

Cedolia has denied the allegation, the first lodged against him in his 41 years as a priest.

While Cedolia is on administrative leave he is not allowed to engage in public ministry. He cannot administer the sacraments, dress in clerical attire or identify himself as a priest. If a determination is made that Father Cedolia did what he is accused of, those restrictions will become permanent.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office has been notified of the allegation. The diocese said in a statement that if it's determined the accusation is unfounded, all that is possible will be done to restore Cedolia’s reputation and return him to ministry.