Father Louis Bonacci
Diocese of Scranton/Baltimore/Jesuit
Ordained: 1973
Removed: 2011
Assignment History:
- 1973-1974: Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues (Wernersville, PA)
- 1973-1974: Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth (Wernersville, PA)
- 1974-1978: Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy)
- 1978-1982: Loyola College (Baltimore, MD)
- 1982-1987: Our Lady of Mercy (Winston-Salem, NC)
- 1986-1988: Wake Forest University; NC School of the Arts (Charlotte NC)
- 1986-1988: Salem College; Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem, NC)
- 1987-1988: St. Benedict the Moor (Winston-Salem, NC)
- 1988-1990: Marianist Community (Dayton, OH)
- 1990-1991: Faber Jesuit Community (Cincinnati, OH)
- 1991-1994: Marianist Community (Dayton, OH)
- 1994-1999: Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)
- 1994-1998: Jesuit Community at Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)
- 1998-1999: Faber Jesuit Community (Cincinnati, OH)
- 1999-2003: Wheeling Jesuit University (Wheeling, WV)
- 2003-2011: The University of Scranton (Scranton, PA)
- 2004-2005: Misericordia University (Dallas, PA)
- 2005-2011: Diocese of Scranton (Scranton, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Louis Bonacci
Father Louis Bonacci was ordained a priest in 1973, and served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Scranton. In April 2023, Maryland’s Attorney General released a report alleging 156 Catholic clergy members sexually abused at least 600 children over six decades. The report lists the names of the abusers, including Father Bonacci.
According to media reports, in 2011, he was accused of touching a minor at a Howard County residence while working as Loyola’s assistant director of ministry from 1978 to 1982. He left there to become the Catholic campus minister at Wake Forest University in North Carolina and subsequently held similar positions at three other colleges, including several within the Diocese of Scranton.
During an investigation of the first allegation by the Maryland Province Review Board, a second victim alleged similar sexual contact as a minor with Bonacci in Howard County. The board reported the allegation to county police but was told that a police investigation could not be opened until at least one of the victims comes forward.
For the majority of his career as a Jesuit priest, Bonacci served as campus priest for a number of universities. In 2006, Bishop Martino retained Bonacci to serve as the Diocesan Coordinator of Spiritual Direction whereby he was available to provide spiritual direction for both priests and deacons of the Diocese of Scranton. Bonacci served in this capacity until his suspension.
Bonacci’s name was included on the Dioceses of Scranton and Wheeling-Charleston lists of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse.
He is said to be living in a monitored Jesuit residence since his suspension.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Scranton. 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 Scranton may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.