Priest Stripped of Clerical Status Amid Serious Allegations

A Madison priest has been stripped of his clerical status after facing serious accusations including attempted sexual assault of a child, child enticement, and possession of child pornography. Pope Leo XIV approved his request to be released from priestly duties, banning him from using clerical titles or performing religious services. The scandal began in August 2025 when he allegedly agreed to meet a 14-year-old girl — an undercover police sergeant — and later, in March, additional charges surfaced based on evidence found on his phone. Showers has pleaded not guilty, and no court date has been set yet. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a7ec41ac199e5348