Vatican City, Jan 2, 2013 / 16:50 pm
Pope Benedict XVI has named Boston priest Father Robert W. Oliver as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's promoter of justice, the "chief prosecutor" at the office responsible for promoting and safeguarding Catholic doctrine and morals.
"It is with deep humility and gratitude that I received the news that the Holy Father is entrusting me with this service to the Church," Fr. Oliver said Dec. 22. "Receiving this assignment during the Year of Faith is inspirational and it is challenging."
Fr. Oliver has served the Archdiocese of Boston as Assistant to the Moderator of the Curia for Canonical Affairs. He is a visiting professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
In his new position he will investigate serious violations of Church law, including desecration of the Blessed Sacrament, violations of the seal of confession and the sexual abuse of minors by clergy.