Father Francis Xavier Battel

Ordained: 1957

Status: Accused; left ministry in 1969

Deceased: 1977

Assignment History

1957: St. Mary Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1957-1962: St. Joseph Church (Providence, RI)
1958-1962: LaSalle Academy (Providence, RI)
1962-1963: St. Lawrence Church (North Providence, RI)
1962-1963: LaSalle Academy (Providence, RI)
1963-1964: Jesus Savior Church (Newport, RI)
1964-1967: Blessed Sacrament Church (Providence, RI)
1967-1968: St. Pius X Church (Westerly, RI)
1968-1969: St. Mary Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1969: Leave of absence

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Francis Xavier Battel

Father Francis Xavier Battel was ordained a priest in 1957 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. Battel was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report in connection with allegations of child sexual misconduct involving Rhode Island. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and schools, including St. Mary Church in Pawtucket, St. Joseph Church in Providence, LaSalle Academy in Providence, St. Lawrence Church in North Providence, Jesus Savior Church in Newport, Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence, and St. Pius X Church in Westerly.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the Diocese received a report in 2010 alleging that Battel sexually abused a boy who was approximately 14 or 15 years old while Battel was assigned to St. Mary Church in Pawtucket in the 1960s.

The complainant reportedly alleged that Battel touched his genitals and attempted to kiss him on the mouth. The complainant also reported that he was aware of another boy who allegedly claimed he was abused around the same time. According to the complainant, the other boy once ran into a Catholic Youth Organization hall and said that Battel had attacked or molested him.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Battel reportedly left ministry in 1969 and did not return. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report also states that Battel took a leave of absence from St. Mary Church in Pawtucket in 1969, shortly after the reported incidents occurred.

Battel died on December 16, 1977. As part of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s investigation, Rhode Island State Police later re-contacted the complainant, who reaffirmed the allegations.

Battel was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in the Diocese of Providence. He was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Francis Xavier Battel

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 Xavier Battel listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Father Francis Xavier Battel was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. However, he was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy.

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, brothers, and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest, brother, or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence 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 Xavier Battel – Diocese of Providence