A priest who was diagnosed with HIV and also was dismissed from a North Richland Hills church amid allegations of sexual abuse died Tuesday.
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth announced Wednesday that the Rev. Philip Anthony Magaldi, 72, died at a North Texas health care facility.
In February, Magaldi told diocesan officials he was HIV positive.
At that time, parishioners at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills learned - through a letter read by current clergy - their former priest had been HIV positive since 2003.
Magaldi served at St. Johns from 1993 to 1999. He was dismissed amid the sexual abuse allegations.
Bishop Kevin Vann removed all his faculties in 2006 and requested "laicization" of Magaldi, which was a request to remove Magaldi from clerical status.
The request for the laicization process was pending at the Vatican at the time of his death.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, R. I., Bishop Thomas J. Tobin supported the requested for laicization, Fort Worth Diocese officials said in a release.
"We pray for the repose of his soul," the diocese said.
Magaldi will be cremated and buried with his parents in Florida, according to his instructions.
