In May 2003, Thomas O’Brien, then bishop
of the Diocese of Phoenix, admitted to sheltering at least 50 priests
accused of sexual abuse, often shuffling them around to parishes across
the state.
O'Brien's admission,
released under an agreement with the county attorney, acknowledged he
"allowed Roman Catholic priests under my supervision to work with minors
after becoming aware of allegations of sexual misconduct." He also
waived his own immunity should sexual misconduct allegations against him
surface.