Ukrainian Catholic priest on leave after sexual assault allegation

The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon says a member of its clergy has been placed on administrative leave following an allegation of sexual assault.

On Thursday, the Saskatoon Police Service confirmed a sexual assault charge had been laid against a 69-year-old man. Police said the alleged assault happened March 11 and involved a 13-year-old girl, and in an emailed statement to 650 CKOM confirmed there was a connection to a “faith-based organization.”

Police said the alleged assault happened in the 200 block of Avenue M South, a block which is home to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy.

According to a statement shared on the eparchy’s website, the priest is on leave pending the outcome of the court case.

“The priest has been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately, and has been removed from active duty pending completion of the legal proceedings,” the eparchy’s statement read.