Roger Landry

Introduction

Msgr. Roger J. Landry is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and the director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA (TPMS USA). On September 11, 2026, TPMS USA announced that he had taken a temporary leave from his position as director of the organization following allegations that he violated priestly conduct codes for two dioceses with which he is affiliated, and the Diocese of Fall River announced that it had restricted him from the public exercise of priestly ministry while an investigation continues. Both organizations stated that the allegations do not involve minors.

Background Information

Landry is incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and currently resides in New York. According to the diocese, he has served in “several special assignments outside” its territory since 2015, including within the Archdiocese of New York as Catholic chaplain at Columbia University and, following his 2024 appointment, as director of TPMS USA. A papal missionary of mercy, he also served from 2021 to 2024 as ecclesiastical assistant to Aid to the Church in Need USA, and led the Seton Route of the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage from New Haven, Connecticut, to Indianapolis. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha heads the Diocese of Fall River, which stated that Landry “remains a priest” of the diocese and is “subject to the authority” of its bishop.

The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation

The Diocese of Fall River said it had received allegations against Landry “from multiple individuals” that he violated priestly conduct codes for two dioceses with which he is affiliated. The diocesan statement noted that an “initial investigation” was conducted by the Archdiocese of New York, after which the Diocese of Fall River — having consulted with the archdiocese and “canonical advisors” — determined that “sufficient evidence exists to restrict him from the public exercise of priestly ministry, pending the resolution of this matter.” According to Landry, the Fall River Diocese had “verbally communicated” to him that “the accusations involve alleged violations of prudence, pastoral boundaries, and diocesan codes of conduct with adults.” Both TPMS USA and the diocese confirmed in their September 11 statements that the allegations do not involve minors. The diocese characterized its action as “consistent with Diocese of Fall River policy.” No charges have been filed and no findings of wrongdoing have been announced; the investigation is ongoing.

Public Reaction and Consequences

The news was announced September 11, 2026, in separate statements from TPMS USA and the Diocese of Fall River. The diocese emphasized that Landry is “entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigation continues,” said he had requested the leave of absence from TPMS USA, and encouraged “anyone who may have been affected” to “report their concerns,” assuring that such persons “will be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.” Noting it had “no further comment at this time,” the diocese added that “Bishop da Cunha asks for prayers for all those affected by this matter.”

TPMS USA announced that current Chief Operating Officer Douglas Culp would serve as interim director at the request of its board and with the approval of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a pro prefect in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. The organization stressed it “takes seriously concerns involving appropriate conduct and pastoral boundaries,” said “We are committed to respecting the dignity, privacy, and good name of everyone involved,” and said its work “continues without interruption.” With the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday approaching on October 18, TPMS USA said it “remains fully committed to the missionaries, seminarians, religious, catechists and local Churches supported through the prayer and generosity of Catholics across the United States,” and directed questions regarding Landry’s priestly ministry to the Diocese of Fall River.

Landry also issued a September 11 statement, saying that his decision to temporarily step down was “voluntary” for “the sake of protecting the important work” of TPMS USA “as well as my own reputation as a priest.” He said, “There are no allegations of sexual activity whatsoever or of misconduct of any kind with a minor,” adding, “I maintain my innocence of any canonical violation or crime and will continue to defend my reputation to the best of my ability under the law of the Church.” He said he was “cooperating fully with the investigation, with trust that a fair investigation will establish the truth,” that he was advised the process “might take up to several months,” and that “Those who have raised concerns deserve to be heard.”

The announcement came days before Landry was set to participate in multiple events amid the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who served as national director of TPMS USA from 1950 to 1966. As of September 11, Landry was no longer listed as a speaker for an event ahead of the beatification, a concelebrant at one of the Masses of thanksgiving, or a participant in the Sheen Awards ceremony.

Current Status

As of the September 11, 2026 announcements, Landry remained a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, restricted from the public exercise of priestly ministry pending resolution of the matter, and on temporary leave from his position as director of TPMS USA, with COO Douglas Culp serving as interim director. The investigation is ongoing, no outcome has been announced, and the diocese said it had no further comment at this time.

Impact on Their Career/Life

Landry was removed from the roles associated with his public profile within days of the allegations becoming public: he stepped back from the leadership of TPMS USA, the national mission agency of the Church in the United States, and from his scheduled parts in the Fulton Sheen beatification events. The allegations remain unproven, Landry maintains his innocence, and the investigation and ecclesiastical process were expected, per his statement, to possibly take up to several months.

Photo: OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz — Msgr. Roger J. Landry outside Holy Family Church in New York City, Sept. 9, 2024.