Monsignor Harry Byrne
Archdiocese of New York
Ordained: 1945
Retired: 1997
Removed: 2017
Died: 2020
Assignment History:
- 1946-1947: Cathedral of St. Patrick (New York, NY)
- 1947-1949: Catholic University (Washington, DC)
- 1950-1951: St. Emeric (New York, NY)
- 1951-1970: St. Thomas More (New York, NY)
- 1971-1982: St. Joseph’s (New York, NY)
- 1983-1996: Epiphany (New York, NY)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Monsignor Harry J Byrne:
Once a high-ranking official of the Archdiocese of New York, Fr. Harry J Byrne was arrested and arraigned in State Supreme Court in the Bronx on possession of child pornography charges in 2017. Compromising pictures were found on his personal computer of girls ages 8 to 14 years old, performing sex acts with men or posing naked, stated the Bronx district attorney.
In announcing the indictment, the Bronx district attorney said that Byrne regularly showed people who came into his room at his retirement home the disturbing images. Byrne pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Byrne was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of New York for over 70 years. He was appointed Chancellor for the Archdiocese of New York in 1968. He reportedly initiated the early introduction of altar girls while working at Epiphany Parish in New York.
According to media reports, Byrne was indicted on 37 counts of possessing child pornography. He was arraigned, and the judge ruled that the friary’s infirmary should continue to care for the priest who was 96.
Byrne died in May 2020 at the age of 99.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of New York. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in New York State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of New York now 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 New York and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.