Bishop Peter F. Christensen addresses the Diocese of Boise

Diocese of Boise
6 days ago
2 min read

Editor’s note: The following comes from an Aug. 29 video statement made by Bishop Peter F. Christensen regarding the arrest of a Nampa priest. The video can be viewed on the Diocese of Boise website at dioceseofboise.org.

On this feast of St. John the Baptist, Aug. 29, 2025, I address you with deep sorrow regarding very troubling news involving one of our priests.

On Aug. 27, I was informed that Father Robert “Toto” Mendez Esquivel, associate pastor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa, was arrested in connection with inappropriate conduct involving a minor.

This news is both sobering and heartbreaking. If these allegations prove true, they represent a grave betrayal of trust by a priest of the Church.

This situation has far-reaching effects: on the alleged victim, on the accused, on the faithful of our diocese and on the broader Church. I am profoundly grieved that we must once again confront behavior that is contrary to the Gospel and the sacred vows of priesthood.

The Diocese of Boise is fully cooperating with civil authorities in their investigation. Father Mendez Esquivel has already appeared in court for arraignment, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2025.

As your bishop and shepherd, I am committed to transparency and to keeping the faithful informed as developments unfold. In moments such as these, we may feel as though we are in stormy waters. Yet we are reminded that the Church — the Barque of Peter — though battered by storms, will not sink.

Christ Himself has promised that the Church will endure.

We must remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God can bring light even from this darkness. This is a difficult time for our diocese, especially for the parish community of St. Paul’s in Nampa, who have been deeply wounded by this news.

Importantly, the Nampa Police Department has confirmed that no misconduct occurred on parish or school grounds and that parish children were not involved.

I ask all the faithful to join me in prayer: for the victim and family, for the parish community, for Father Mendez Esquivel and for our Church. Let us also pray for the grace of repentance, healing and renewal, trusting always in God’s mercy and providence.

Please keep me, our diocesan staff, and our priests in your prayers. Be assured of my prayers for each of you.

May God bless you and bring peace to our diocese.