Father Francis Santilli

Francis Santilli Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1980

Status: Sued / Suspended

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1979-1980: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Deacon (Providence, RI)
1980: St. Joseph Hospital (Providence, RI)
1980-1984: St. Charles Borromeo Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1984-1988: St. Pius X Church (Westerly, RI)
1987-1991: Diocesan Office for Vocations (Providence, RI)
1988-1991: St. Vincent House of Formation (Providence, RI)
1988-1999: St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI)
1991-2004: St. Cecilia Church (Pawtucket, RI)
2004-2010: St. Paul Church (Cranston, RI)
2006: Sabbatical, North American College (Rome, Italy)
2009-2012: Diocesan Review Board
2010-2022: St. Philip Church and School (Smithfield/Greenville, RI)
2011-2014: Council of Priests
2011-2016: College of Consultors
2022: Suspended on leave

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Francis Santilli

Father Francis Santilli was ordained a priest in 1980 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four decades. He served in parish, school, vocations, and diocesan leadership roles, including as pastor of St. Philip Church in Greenville and as a member of the Diocesan Review Board.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Santilli has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Santilli was placed on leave in February 2022 after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor from 1979 or 1980. As of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Santilli remained suspended.

Allegations Against Father Francis Santilli

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Santilli was accused of sexually abusing at least three altar boys, ages 7 to 12, in the early 1980s.

The report describes allegations that Santilli placed boys in his lap, tickled them, touched their genitals over and under their clothing, and rubbed his genitals against them.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the Diocese received earlier reports involving Santilli in 2012 and 2014. In 2012, a man alleged that Santilli sexually abused him as a young altar boy in the early 1980s and also molested his brother, who died by suicide in 1997. In 2014, another man alleged that Santilli abused him when he was a 10-year-old altar boy in 1980 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Providence.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Francis Santilli Allegations

According to BishopAccountability.org, the Diocesan Review Board determined that the 2012 and 2014 allegations against Santilli lacked credibility, and Santilli remained in ministry.

In December 2021, the Diocese reportedly received another allegation against an active priest. Rhode Island State Police investigated and interviewed the alleged victim, who identified Santilli. The Diocese was informed of Santilli’s name in February 2022, and Santilli was placed on leave.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the cases could not be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations. Santilli remained suspended as of March 2026.

Father Francis Santilli and Institutional Failures

Santilli’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about how the Diocese of Providence evaluated and responded to allegations against active clergy.

According to the available source information, the Diocese received allegations involving Santilli in 2012 and 2014, but the Diocesan Review Board determined those allegations lacked credibility and he was kept in ministry. Santilli had previously served on the Diocesan Review Board from 2009 to 2012.

Santilli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor as of 2026. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Francis Santilli

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father Francis Santilli listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Francis Santilli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor as of 2026. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father Francis Santilli – Diocese of Providence