Father Peter Karalus
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1997
Placed on Leave: 2020
Returned to ministry: 2020
Assigned as Follows:
- Epiphany of Our Lord Parish (Langford, NY)
- St. Gabriel (Elma, NY)
- St. Joseph and St. Mary Parishes (Albion, NY)
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Lake View, NY)
- St. Vincent (North Evans, NY)
- St. John Paul II Parish (Lake View, NY)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Peter Karalus:
According to media reports, in March of 2020, Father Peter Karalus was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. He is one of the closest aides to acting Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, and was placed on administrative leave while an independent investigator looked into the allegations made against him. The claim involved an incident that allegedly took place in 2011. According to authorities, Father Karalus denies the allegation against him.
“The complaint that we received refers only to some words that were allegedly stated by Father Karalus during a confession,” according to one of his attorneys. Father Karalus claims that he did not recall the conversation that was referenced in the complaint, but does admit that he recalls the young man and his family. Father Karalus was serving at St. John Paul II Parish in Lakeview when the alleged incident occurred. As vicar general and moderator of the curia for the diocese, Father Karalus holds one of the highest positions in the Buffalo Diocese. While the investigation was underway, Father Karalus had the ability to attend Mass, but was not allowed to function as the Diocese’s number two administrator.
In May 2020, the Diocese of Buffalo announced that Father Karalus would be returned to active ministry with full faculties. According to Bishop Scharfenberger, his internal review board determined that the allegation was unsubstantiated and the Bishop elected to return Father Karalus to ministry.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.