Father Peter Tedeschi

Peter Tedeschi Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1960

Status: Publicly Accused

Deceased: 1986

Assignment History

Summer 1960: Holy Trinity Church (Central Falls, RI)
1960-1962: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Providence, RI)
1962-1964: St. Alexander Church (Warren, RI)
1964-1965: St. Ann Church (Providence, RI)
1965-1971: St. Anthony Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1971-1979: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
1979-1985: St. Joseph Hospital (Providence, RI)
1985-1986: St. Joseph Church (Cumberland, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Peter Tedeschi

Father Peter Tedeschi was ordained a priest in 1960 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than two decades. He served at several Rhode Island parishes, including Holy Trinity Church in Central Falls, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Providence, St. Anthony Church in Woonsocket, and St. Mary Church in Cranston.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of publicly accused clergy, Tedeschi was listed as publicly accused. The Diocese notes that he died in 1986, before any allegation was reportedly received. Tedeschi was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Tedeschi was accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl beginning in 1960, when she was 14 or 15 years old. Tedeschi died on October 18, 1986.

Allegations Against Father Peter Tedeschi

According to BishopAccountability.org, in March 2019, a woman testified before the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee that Tedeschi sexually abused her for more than a year beginning in May 1960, when she was a 14- or 15-year-old student.

The alleged abuse reportedly began while Tedeschi was assigned to Holy Trinity Church in Central Falls. The woman said her family lived across the street from the parish and that the abuse occurred in the sanctuary, rectory, Tedeschi’s car, and school hallways.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the woman said the abuse continued after Tedeschi left Holy Trinity and while she was a student at Sacred Heart High School.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Peter Tedeschi Allegations

According to BishopAccountability.org, the woman alleged that when she was 15, she told another priest during confession, and that priest told her never to tell anyone.

The woman also said she confronted Tedeschi when she was 22, and that he admitted his conduct and said he had abused other people.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the alleged victim said she reported the abuse to the Diocese in 1961, 1968, and again in the early 2000s. BishopAccountability.org states that she again informed the Diocese in 2012, and the Diocese contacted law enforcement.

Father Peter Tedeschi and Institutional Failures

Tedeschi’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about delayed reporting, incomplete institutional response, and allegations that survivors’ disclosures were not meaningfully addressed when first made.

According to the Attorney General’s report, Tedeschi’s alleged victim reported her abuse to the Diocese multiple times over several decades. Tedeschi died in 1986, before any formal investigation could be completed.

Tedeschi was included on the Diocese of Providence list as “publicly accused.” He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Peter Tedeschi

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 Peter Tedeschi listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Father Peter Tedeschi was included on the Diocese of Providence list as “publicly accused,” not as credibly accused by the Diocese. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

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.

Father Peter Tedeschi – Diocese of Providence