Montreal 1985 to 2019: The Capriolo report shows that for decades the archdiocese merely passed on complaints and rumours about the priest Brian Boucher, until he was convicted in 2019 of abusing two boys

The retired judge Pepita G. Capriolo investigated, on behalf of the Archbishop of Montreal, who knew what and when about Brian Boucher. In 2019 Boucher was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting two boys. According to the report, rumours and repeated complaints had existed since the 1980s; a serious investigation began only in December 2015. The report names lack of accountability as the main cause: complaints were passed on, psychological assessments replaced disciplinary action, and important documents disappeared. It ends with 31 recommendations.

Period

1985-2019 (34 years)

Report published

25 November 2020

Country

Canada

Institutions

Archdiocese of Montreal
Grand Séminaire de Montréal

Category

Sexual abuse, Cover-up

Level of evidence

A Primary source · what does this mean?

Persons

Brian Boucher (Catholic priest in Montreal, convicted in 2019, no longer a priest)

Background

Why? Justification and motives (according to the sources)

1. The report names as the main cause the lack of accountability of those involved: complaints were "passed on" and no one took responsibility. Therapeutic treatment served as an alternative to disciplinary action. Overdue concern with Boucher's reputation and his threats of legal action supported the inaction.
   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „The primary culprit is the lack of accountability of the people involved in Boucher’s education, training and career.“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „The therapeutic approach served as an alternative to disciplinary action.“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „Boucher’s constant threats of legal action“

Response of the Church

1. According to the report, Boucher's suitability as a seminarian and priest was questioned for years, but a serious investigation began only in December 2015. Complaints about his behaviour repeatedly reached his superiors. Rumours about his interest in boys had circulated since the 1980s and were communicated to the Grand Séminaire and the archdiocese.
   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „it was only in December of 2015 that a serious investigation began“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „These complaints were repeatedly reported to his superiors.“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „Rumours about his untoward interest in young boys had been circulating since the 1980s“

2. According to the report, until 2016 no one had come forward as having been a victim while a minor. That did not exonerate the church authorities, however: at the end of the 1990s Boucher was observed in a very close and worrisome relationship with a boy, yet no investigation was undertaken. A complaint about inappropriate behaviour with a minor was quickly dismissed in 2006.
   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „But this is no cause for premature exoneration of the Church authorities.“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „no investigation was undertaken at the time“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „another complaint about inappropriate behaviour with a minor was sent to the diocesan authorities and quickly dismissed in 2006“

3. After an abusive relationship with a 19-year-old student under his care as chaplain of the Newman Centre, Boucher was sent for psychological treatment. According to the report, the very vague assessment by the Southdown Institute in 2003 shielded him from suspicion for twelve years. In 2011 he was reappointed as pastor despite a senior church official's detailed account of his failings.
   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „appearing to shield him from any suspicion of being a child molester“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „The official left on extended sick leave and Boucher was reappointed.“

4. According to the report, the culture of secrecy caused important documents to disappear. To find the files, the author had to search several departments and outside sources and obtain permission to examine the Secret Archives without the knowledge of their custodian, the Chancellor.
   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „The culture of secrecy, which reigned in the Church during the period covered by this investigation, caused the disappearance of important documents“

   Evidence: Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal, Summary

   „obtain permission to examine the contents of the Secret Archives unbeknownst to their custodian, the Chancellor“

Original documents to read

1. Commission report
   Pepita G. Capriolo, im Auftrag der Erzdiözese Montréal: Report on the investigation regarding Brian Boucher's career in the Catholic Church (Capriolo Report), public version, 2 September 2020. Original · Archive copy (retrieved 31 Oct 2026)

Last changed on 31 October 2026. Is something missing or wrong? Suggest an addition or correction.