Growing up, I witnessed the horrors of the clergy sex abuse firsthand. My uncle, a trusted priest, led a double life, shattering the faith and innocence of those closest to him, including his own younger brothers and his nephew - my little brother. This solidified my resolve to expose predators who hide behind the sanctity of the church. Today, Buffalo continues confronting this nightmare in the form of Father Joe Gatto.

Fr. Joe Gatto's crimes span decades, and his victims include Colombian seminarians trafficked to Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY as part of a sex trafficking ring funneling foreign seminarians to the Diocese of Buffalo. I met Colombian seminarians that were with my Uncle, Fr. Art Smith, a known predator priest. This chilling connection beckons the need for a comprehensive investigation.

I have known for years about the horrors that Joe Gatto is capable of, but unfortunately he is still in active ministry in the Diocese of Buffalo. 

Last week, at the Diocese bankruptcy court, a courageous Mom spoke up about what happened to her son shortly after seeing Gatto for confession: (from 

"Tracy Waring appeared on behalf of her son, Devin, who died by suicide in 2017. She claims his death occurred just hours after he went to confession with Father Joseph Gatto. Waring declined an interview request about her statement but said the priest "needs to be removed." 

Father Gatto is currently serving as senior vicar at St. Benedict's Parish in Eggertsville. The Diocese of Buffalo confirmed he has not been placed on leave at this time.

"He was on top of the world...he was a senior at Canisius High School. He was going in the Marine Corps," Waring said."

Buffalo cannot ignore these cries for justice any longer. Each story represents a life shattered, a voice silenced, and a future stolen. The allegations against Fr. Joe Gatto are serious and warrant a full and transparent inquiry - not only by Bishop Fisher, but also by the NYS Attorney General's office. 

I urge the New York Attorney General to delve into these claims with the gravity and dedication it demands. Every victim and every survivor deserves justice, and every hidden truth deserves illumination.

Please sign this petition to demand accountability of Fr. Joe Gatto and the Diocese of Buffalo.