MADISON, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The Vatican has stripped Andrew Showers of his priesthood following his arrest for child sex crimes.
The Diocese of Madison announced it received notification that Showers, 38, petitioned for and received a dispensation from priestly obligations from Pope Leo XIV. The change became effective June 24.
The action means Showers can no longer perform any priestly duties, including celebrating Mass, baptisms or anointing of the sick. He is also prohibited from wearing clerical attire or the Roman collar and should not be addressed as “Father” or “Reverend.”
Showers is charged with attempt to use a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, attempt child enticement-expose genitals in a public area, second-degree attempted sexual assault of a child and two counts of possession of child pornography. Authorities arrested Showers in Clintonville in Waupaca County in August 2025. Investigators said he traveled to the city to meet with a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, but the 14-year-old turned out to be an undercover Clintonville police officer.
According to the criminal complaint in the 2026 child pornography case, investigators from the Clintonville Police Department examined devices seized from Showers, including his cellphone. The complaint states investigators identified two pornographic images on the cellphone that appeared to show girls under the age of 18. Investigators estimate the age of one girl pictured to be 14-15 years old and the other to be around 10 years old.
Bishop Donald Hying asks for continued prayers for all involved.
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