Texas Catholic Priest Under Investigation for Video of Fetus

A video of an aborted fetus placed on an altar by a noted anti-abortion activist Priest has drawn the attention of the Bishop of the Diocese where this priest serves.

In Anti-Abortion circles, Father Frank Pavone, who is featured above in one of his regular video blogs, is one of the movement's most visible activists. A regular presence on the catholic EWTN cable network, Pavone is the longtime head of Priests For Life, a network of priest activists, and the National Pro-Life Religious Council, an ecumenical umbrella group comprised of activists from across the multiple Christian denominations both Catholic and Protestant. Additionally, he acts as a regular diocesan priest in Amarillo, which means he says mass, hears confessions and duties any other priest would have.

Like many abortion foes, Pavone is well known for his fervor. Previously in 2012, Pavone was called back to Amarillo by Bishop Patrick J. Zurek in what seemed to be an effort to curtail Pavone's activities outside the Diocese. Pavone appealed and the ruling went in his favor somewhat:

"In its decree of May 18, 2012, the Congregation for the Clergy has sustained Father Frank A. Pavone’s appeal of his suspension from ministry outside the Diocese of Amarillo and his appointment from me on October 4, 2011 as Chaplain of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in Channing, Texas.  Father Pavone is to continue his ministry as chaplain until further notice. As a gesture of good will, I will grant permission to him in individual cases, based upon their merits, to participate in pro-life events with the provision that he and I must be in agreement beforehand as to his role and function..."