New Orleans Priest Gerard Howell Dies at 87 After Fall 2026

Gerard Joseph “Jerry” Howell, a New Orleans Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing children in the deaf community, has died at 87 after an apparent fall in his Texas apartment. His death on 8 September brings a close to a life marked by decades of alleged abuse and institutional cover-up.

Who Was Gerard Howell?

Howell was a priest in the Archdiocese of New Orleans who worked extensively with deaf parishioners. His alleged abuse of children in that community was known to church officials for at least four decades, yet he remained an active priest until recent years. In 1980, the archdiocese reported him to law enforcement, but he faced no meaningful consequences. It wasn't until 1992 that WWL Louisiana publicly exposed his abuse, but even then, the archdiocese continued to support him financially, paying him a retirement stipend.

The Deaf Community and Vulnerability

Howell's victims were primarily children within the deaf community, a group that often faces barriers to reporting abuse. Advocates say the isolation and communication challenges made them easy targets for predators like Howell. The archdiocese's failure to remove him allowed the abuse to continue for years.

Archdiocese Response and Cover-Up

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has faced mounting criticism for its handling of Howell's case. Despite knowing about his abuse since at least 1980, church leaders kept him in ministry and provided him with housing and financial support. This pattern of protection over punishment is echoed in similar cases worldwide, where church authorities prioritized reputation over victim safety.

Timeline of Inaction

Key Takeaways

• Gerard Howell was accused of abusing deaf children for decades.
• The Archdiocese of New Orleans knew of the abuse since 1980 but took no decisive action.
• Howell was publicly exposed in 1992 but continued to receive church support.
• His death at 87 raises questions about accountability and justice for victims.

Victims and Advocacy

Survivors of Howell's abuse have long demanded justice. Many have come forward in recent years, especially after the 2018 release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report that detailed widespread clergy abuse. Advocacy groups like SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) have called for transparency and reform within the Catholic Church.

Legal and Institutional Reckoning

While Howell never faced criminal charges, civil lawsuits against the archdiocese have been filed. The church's bankruptcy proceedings in New Orleans have been closely watched as a test of how institutions handle abuse claims. Howell's death may impact pending litigation, but advocates vow to continue fighting for victims.

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