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Philadelphia Priest Accused Of Child Sexual Abuse Reinstated

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has reinstated a priest placed on leave after a February 2011 grand jury report into child sexual abuse.

The diocese said Monday that Archbishop Charles Chaput decided the Rev. Joseph DiGregorio is suitable for ministry.

Church officials say an investigation found the 72-year-old DiGregorio violated The Standards of Ministerial Behaviors and Boundaries more than 40 years ago, but they did not say how.

They say there's compelling evidence that makes him suitable for ministry and that there's no evidence he poses a danger to children. He had been suspended after the grand jury report, but later said in a radio interview the allegations against him were "a lie."

Officials say there are nine administrative leave cases remaining, but details of those are not being announced Monday.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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