May 11, 2006
A STATEMENT FROM BISHOP LEONARD P. BLAIR OF THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO:

This is a sad day for the Diocese of Toledo. In the matter of the State of Ohio versus Gerald Robinson, a jury of his peers has convicted him of the 1980 murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.

I ask for prayers for all of those involved – Sister Margaret Ann, her family and the Sisters of Mercy, as well as those witnesses who testified at the trial, the jury, the judge and the attorneys who participated, and for Father Robinson.

Let us hope that the conclusion of the trial will bring some measure of healing for all those affected by the case as well as for our local church. The diocese has remained steadfast in the work of the Church and its ministries throughout this trial, and will continue to do so.

Although the trial stage is over, it remains for Father Robinson and his attorneys to determine the course of any future legal proceedings they may wish to pursue.

The Diocese of Toledo will continue to cooperate with the civil authorities regarding any required future court proceedings.
Father Robinson’s present status is that of a retired priest of the Diocese of Toledo. He continues to be barred from any public ministry.

 

The Diocese of Toledo, established April 15, 1910 encompasses 8222 square miles in a mixture of urban and rural areas that spans 19 counties across Northwest Ohio, serving 306,532 Catholics. The diocese includes Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot counties.
###