A priest who brought national attention to the clergy sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is speaking out to clarify some statements he made during a 60 Minutes interview.

Father Robert Zilliox serves at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Swormville. He told 60 Minutes  he was disgusted by how the cases he saw were handled.

He released a statement Friday saying some comments made during the interview have been misunderstood by some and mischaracterized or falsely contradicted by others.

During the interview, he referred to “eight or nine” accused priests in the diocese who remain in the priesthood but he believes should have been removed.

Fr. Zilliox says he did not use the term “active ministry.”

He says some or even all of those priests may be on leave from active ministry at this time.

He also said “Priests who are not in active ministry in this fashion are still priests, remain under the authority of the bishop, continue to receive financial support and continue to be the legal responsibility of the diocese.”

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo released a statement, saying:

"No priest placed on administrative leave with allegations of sexual abuse can say Mass, celebrate sacraments, dress in clerical clothes, or present himself publicly as a priest.  This is clearly written in the decree itself.  It is also incorrect to equate administrative leave and suspension with medical leave and retirement."

His full statement is provided below.