Father Francis Lesniak
Diocese of Greensburg
Ordained: 1943
Retired: 1987
Died: 1991
Assigned as follows:
- 1943-1946: St. Monica (Wampum, PA) and St. Theresa (Hoytdale, PA)
- 1946-1953: St. Mary (New Kensington, PA)
- 1953-1953: St. Bernard (Indiana, PA)
- 1953-1954: Transfiguration Church (Mount Pleasant, PA)
- 1954-1956: St. Mary (New Kensington, PA)
- 1956-1960: St. Michael (Glen Campbell, PA)/Ss. Peter & Paul (Arcadia, PA)
- 1960-1965: St. Stanislaus (Calmut, PA)
- 1965-1969: St. Anne (Fellsburg, PA) and Holy Cross (Webster, PA)
- 1969-1976: Seven Dolors (Yukon, PA)
- 1976-1987: St. Francis of Paola (Ford City, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. Francis Lesniak:
Fr. Francis Lesniak was ordained a priest in 1943, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg. According to media reports, in 2018, he was named publicly as accused in the PA Grand Jury report. It revealed the Diocese of Greensburg received the first complaint of abuse by Father Francis Lesniak in 2004. Allegations were made post-death. Lesniak was alleged to have sexually abused multiple minors in the 1960s and 70s.
Four victims accused Lesniak of molesting and/or raping them from 1962 through the late 1980s at parishes in Mt. Pleasant to Ford City. Incidents reportedly occurred during overnights for altar boys and at a picnic for a first Holy Communion. The abuse began with fondling and escalated to anal rape. Alcohol was also given to the victims on many occasions, with the fourth victim drinking ‘whole large containers full of wine.’
One victim stated that after confession, Lesniak would expose himself and tell the child it was his “strawberry lollipop.” This abuse occurred well over 100 times over the course of approximately four years.
Lesniak retired as a priest in good standing in 1987. He died in 1991.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.