Priest facing claims of 'inappropriate contact' with women

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has been placed on administrative leave while officials investigate claims that he had "inappropriate contact" with adult women.

The decision regarding the Rev. James Young was announced in a May 4 letter from Bishop David Zubik that was distributed this past weekend in the church bulletins of Saint Ferdinand in Cranberry, Saint Gregory in Zelienople and Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City.

Zubik said Young's removal isn't an implication of guilt. It's intended to "safeguard the course of justice while preserving the rights of everyone involved."

While on leave, Young can't engage in public ministry or administer the sacraments, dress in clerical attire or identify himself as a priest. Those restrictions will become permanent if it's determined he committed the acts.