Key Takeaways
- Father Francis Xavier Battel was accused of sexually abusing two boys in the 1960s.
- Battel left the ministry in 1969 and died in 1977.
Father Francis Xavier Battel was a Diocese of Providence priest identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Who Was Francis Xavier Battel?
Born on June 2, 1931, Francis Xavier Battel was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Providence in 1957. During his ministry, he served at several Rhode Island parishes and worked at LaSalle Academy in Providence.
Battel took a leave of absence in 1969 (“abandoned his ministry”) and reportedly never returned to ministry. He died on December 16, 1977.
Francis Xavier Battel’s Assignments
Father Battel served in the following assignments, according to the AG’s Report:
- St. Mary Church, Pawtucket (1957)
- St. Joseph Church, Providence (1957–1962)
- LaSalle Academy, Providence (1958–1962)
- St. Lawrence Church, North Providence (1962–1963)
- LaSalle Academy, Providence (1962–1963)
- Jesus Savior Church, Newport (1963–1964)
- Blessed Sacrament Church, Providence (1964–1967)
- St. Pius X Church, Westerly (1967–1968)
- St. Mary Church, Pawtucket (1968–1969)
- Leave of Absence (1969)
Allegations Against Father Francis Xavier Battel
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the Diocese received a report in 2010 alleging that Battel sexually abused a 14- to 15-year-old boy while assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Pawtucket in the 1960s.
“The complainant reported to the Diocese that Battel touched his genitals and attempted to kiss him on the mouth,” according to the AG’s report.
He “reported that he was aware of another boy who claimed he was abused at the same time. According to the complainant, the boy once ran into a Catholic Youth Organization (‘CYO’) hall and stated that Battel had attacked or molested him. Battel was reportedly transferred from St. Mary’s several days later. According to Diocesan records, Battel took a leave of absence from St. Mary’s in 1969 – shortly after the reported incidents would have taken place. The complainant reported that although he tried to ask where Battel was transferred to, it was a ‘closed issue’ and ‘no one would talk.’” (Appendix A)
Battel died in 1977.
As part of the Attorney General’s investigation, Rhode Island State Police later re-contacted the complainant, who reaffirmed the allegations.
Battel is not included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
Were You Harmed by Francis Xavier Battel?
Rhode Island has recently expanded legal rights for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, mainly, creating a two-year revival window for certain previously time-barred civil claims. As a result, survivors who were harmed by clergy members years or even decades ago may now have an opportunity to pursue accountability against the institutions that failed to protect them.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of institutional sexual abuse in Rhode Island and nationwide.
If you were abused by Father Francis Xavier Battel, you may have legal options. When a trusted religious leader exploits their position to commit abuse, the harm can be devastating. Survivors deserve accountability and the opportunity to seek justice.
Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you with compassion through the civil process.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image source: Fr. Francis Xavier Battel, via Bishop Accountability.
