Father Pavone to Meet With TX Bishop Next Week

The Rev. Frank Pavone, an embattled Port Chester-born priest who was recalled to his diocese last month, will meet with the bishop who raised financial questions about Pavone's non-profit.

Pavone will meet with the bishop of Amarillo, Texas, on Oct. 13, following several weeks of speculation from observers and statements from both men regarding Priest for Life's finances and Pavone's status as a priest.

With the late Cardinal John O'Connor's blessing, Pavone founded Priests for Life in Port Chester in 1993, building the small charity into a national organization that today receives about $10 million in charitable donations annually.

Pavone is familiar nationally for his charity work and for his many media appearances -- in addition to frequent appearances on cable network news shows, Pavone was an advocate for the family of Terri Schiavo.

As the Priests for Life organization expanded, Pavone moved his ministry to the Diocese of Amirillo, in Texas, but retained offices in New York.

Last month, Bishop Patrick J. Zurek recalled Pavone to Amirillo, and in a letter to fellow bishops, Zurek said Pavone was "suspended from ministry" outside of his home diocese so local church leaders could settle questions about Pavone's financial management of Priests for Life.

In a statement posted to the Diocese of Amarillo's website, Zurek said he wanted to stress his support for Priest's for Life's mission. Still, he said, it's his duty to look into allegations of financial misconduct, and said he hopes for "a fruitful dialogue."

Zurek said he's "seeking clarifications and answers to concerns about the administration of the Priests for Life organization and other related entities" under Pavone's leadership.

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