Bishop of Erie, Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, released a statement Wednesday on the guilty plea entered by former priest David Poulson.

“I remain very saddened by every aspect of this situation. Many hearts have been broken, particularly those of the victims and their loved ones.

As we did in the Poulson prosecution, we will continue to bring all reports of sexual misconduct with minors to the immediate attention of law enforcement, and fully cooperate with them during their investigation.”