Father John N. Petrocelli
Ordained: 1971
Status: Charged
Deceased: No
Assignment History
- 1971-1976: St. Ann Church (Providence, RI)
- 1976-1981: Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
- 1981-1990: Holy Family Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 1990-1994: Our Lady of Fatima Hospital (North Providence, RI)
- 1994-2002: St. Joseph Hospital (Providence, RI)
- 2002: Removed from ministry
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John N. Petrocelli
Father John N. Petrocelli was ordained a priest in 1971 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for several decades. He is one of several Catholic clergy members connected to Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse lawsuits involving the Diocese of Providence.
According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Petrocelli has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. According to BishopAccountability.org, Petrocelli was removed from ministry in August 2002 after allegations of sexual abuse.
In 2020, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office announced that Petrocelli had been indicted by a statewide grand jury on three counts of first-degree child molestation and nine counts of second-degree child molestation.
Allegations Against Father John N. Petrocelli
According to BishopAccountability.org, Petrocelli was accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy in the late 1980s. The claim later settled in 2008 as part of a $1.326 million settlement by the Diocese of Providence.
In 2020, another lawsuit against the Diocese involving allegations against Petrocelli was dismissed after the court ruled that church leadership could not be labeled “perpetrators.” According to BishopAccountability.org, the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed that ruling in 2023.
Criminal Case Against Father John N. Petrocelli
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, a statewide grand jury indicted John Petrocelli on November 2, 2020, charging him with three counts of first-degree child molestation and nine counts of second-degree child molestation.
The indictment alleged that Petrocelli committed multiple acts of child molestation against three male victims who were all under the age of 14 at the time of the alleged assaults. The alleged abuse occurred between November 1981 and October 1990, while Petrocelli served as assistant pastor at Holy Family Parish in Woonsocket.
Petrocelli pleaded not guilty. An indictment is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Civil Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Father John N. Petrocelli
According to BishopAccountability.org, Petrocelli was named in civil litigation involving allegations of sexual abuse. In 2007, a court denied the Diocese of Providence’s motion to dismiss negligence claims in one lawsuit involving Petrocelli.
The claim later settled in August 2008 as part of a $1.326 million settlement by the Diocese of Providence.
Father John N. Petrocelli and Institutional Failures
Petrocelli’s case reflects concerns raised in clergy abuse cases involving allegations reported years after the alleged abuse occurred and questions about institutional responsibility.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, its review of clergy child sexual abuse allegations in Rhode Island involved access to Diocese of Providence records. The Attorney General’s Office stated that, where evidence of alleged criminal misconduct was developed, the Office and Rhode Island State Police were committed to investigating and bringing criminal charges where appropriate.
Petrocelli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father John N. Petrocelli
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 John N. Petrocelli listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Yes. Father John N. Petrocelli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019.
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.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.