Suits allege abuse, cover-up in Pennsylvania diocese

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Four men have filed suit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton and its current and former bishop over claims a priest sexually abused them when they were children.

The plaintiffs are believed to be the first to take advantage of a recent Pennsylvania appeals court ruling that could make it easier for some victims of abuse to overcome the state’s statute of limitations and pursue civil claims.

The men, who range in age from 45 to 57, allege they were sexually abused by the Rev. Michael Pulicare as children. Pulicare appears on a diocesan list of 68 credibly abuse priests and lay people. He died in 1999.

The diocese says it’s planning a statement on the lawsuits.