This is a statement from Bishop Leonard Paul Blair of the Diocese of Toledo on the conviction of Father Gerald Robinson for the murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl:
"This is a sad day for the Diocese of Toledo. In the matter of the State of Ohio versus Gerald Robinson, a jury of his peers has convicted him of the 1980 murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.
I ask for prayers for all of those involved – Sister Margaret Ann, her family and the Sisters of Mercy, as well as those witnesses who testified at the trial, the jury, the judge and the attorneys who participated, and for Father Robinson.
Let us hope that the conclusion of the trial will bring some measure of healing for all those affected by the case as well as for our local church. The diocese has remained steadfast in the work of the Church and its ministries throughout this trial, and will continue to do so.
Although the trial stage is over, it remains for Father Robinson and his attorneys to determine the course of any future legal proceedings they may wish to pursue.
The Diocese of Toledo will continue to cooperate with the civil authorities regarding any required future court proceedings.
Father Robinson's present status is that of a retired priest of the Diocese of Toledo. He continues to be barred from any public ministry."
