BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Diocese of Buffalo announced two priests accused in Child Victims Act lawsuits have been place on administrative leave for investigative purposes.

Rev. Paul Nogaro, pastor, St. Stephen Parish, Grand Island and Rev. Msgr. Peter Popadick, pastor, St. Aloysius Parish, Cheektowaga have been placed on administrative leave, the diocese released the statement below Thursday.

Bishop Richard Malone and the Diocese of Buffalo take every accusation of sexual abuse of a minor or adult seriously. Victim-survivors have come forward in various ways. The opening of the Child Victims Act (CVA) and filing of lawsuits against the Diocese of Buffalo has become another avenue by which the Diocese is becoming aware/alerted to claims of abuse. Recent filings have led the Diocese to conduct initial inquiries and open investigations.

The diocese says the leave is for investigative purposes and does not imply the complaint is true or false.