Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Robert W. Oliver, a visiting professor of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America, as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s promoter of justice, whose job it is to investigate crimes which the Catholic Church considers as being the most serious of all such as crimes against the Eucharist, against the sanctity of the Sacrament of Penance, as well as the sexual abuse of minors.

“It is with deep humility and gratitude that I received the news that the Holy Father is entrusting me with this service to the Church,” Fr. Oliver told CNA/EWTN News. “Receiving this assignment during the Year of Faith is inspirational and it is challenging.”

Fr. Oliver, who also graduated from CUA, has also served the Archdiocese of Boston as Assistant to the Moderator of the Curia for Canonical Affairs. For the past decade Fr. Oliver has served as assistant for canonical affairs for the archdiocese’s vicar general.

Fr. Oliver is a member of the Brotherhood of Hope that describes itself as “bringing the New Evangelization to college campuses and having a whole lot of fun doing it!” On their Facebook page, the organization said it was “delighted and honored” at the news of the appointment and urged prayers for Fr. Oliver in his new venture.

To read more about Fr. Oliver’s appointment, check out The Catholic News Agency.

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