Father Julian Varettoni
Diocese of Paterson
Ordained: 1955
Elevated to Monsignor: 1984
Accused: 2004
Retired voluntarily: 2007
Assigned as follows:
- St. Anthony Parish (Hawthorne, NJ)
- St. Mary Parish (Dover, NJ)
- St. George Parish (Paterson, NJ)
- Morris Catholic High School (Denville, NJ)
- DePaul Catholic High School (Wayne, NJ)
- St. Joseph Hospital (Paterson, NJ)
- Sacred Heart Church (Clifton, NJ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Julian Varettoni:
In 2004, an adult male alleged that Fr. Julian Varettoni had molested him as a young boy in the 1960’s. The Diocese of Paterson review board found there was insufficient information to determine whether the allegation was “credible” within the internal diocesan policies, so Varettoni was never removed from the ministry. The board, however, found the victim’s testimony credible, which is a disconnect from its ultimate finding: the board members believed the victim’s allegation but concluded that the abuse did not occur as alleged.
According to media reports, in February 2005, the Diocese of Paterson settled with the victim and others for $5 million. According to Varettoni’s canon lawyer, the Holy See later cleared him of the allegations as well.
Varettoni continued as pastor of Sacred Heart in Clifton, New Jersey until he retired in 2007.
Varettoni’s name was not included on the Diocese of Paterson’s February 2019 list of credibly accused priests. He is believed to be residing in Hackettstown, NJ as a retired priest in good standing.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Paterson. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Paterson, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Paterson now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to [email protected] to discuss your options today.