Joe Biden Inauguration Priest Under Investigation for 'Unspecified Allegations'
Catholic priest facing misconduct allegations in 'adult setting'
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The Catholic priest who conducted Joe Biden's inauguration mass is under investigation over allegations of misconduct in an 'adult setting.'
Jesuit priest Father Kevin O'Brien is facing claims he "exhibited behaviors in adult settings, consisting primarily of conversations, which may be inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries," the university said.
Santa Clara board of trustees chairman John M. Sobrato did not reveal the specifics of the allegations against O'Brien, but said trustees "support those who came forward to share their accounts."
In January, O’Brien gave the service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for Biden and Kamala Harris along with their families and elected officials before the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
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O’Brien is a long time friend of the Bidens for about 15 years,
The priest has been president of Santa Clara University since July 2019.
My friends of ≈15 years, @JoeBiden & @DrBiden asked me to celebrate Mass for their family & friends at inauguration. I will offer the peace and support of prayer as the new admin tries to heal a divided nation. May God bless all public officials as they serve the common good. pic.twitter.com/Mhqd6TKNUL
— Kevin O'Brien, S.J. (@kevinobriensj) January 20, 2021
Sobrato said the priest would cooperate with the independent investigation, with conclusions to be shared with the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees.
O’Brien is yet to respond to the allegations.
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According to The Mercury News, a spokeswoman for the Jesuits West Province, Tracey Primrose, did not elaborate on the investigation.
“Jesuits are held to a professional code of conduct, and the Province investigates allegations that may violate or compromise established boundaries,” Primrose told the newspaper.
Nun Warns America: Biden-Harris 'the Most Anti-Life Presidential Ticket Ever'
— Neon Nettle (@NeonNettle) August 27, 2020
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Located in Silicon Valley, the Jesuit institution has an annual undergraduate enrollment of roughly 5,500 students.
Ranked as one of the top 25 schools for undergraduate teaching nationwide, the private university has a million-dollar endowment.
It counts California Governors Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown among its alumni.
