Major media figure admits to plagiarism, resigns university post

Fr. Thomas Rosica, a  Canadian media figure who admitted to several cases of plagiarism, has resigned from the governing body of the University of St. Michael’s College, according to a Feb. 25 report in the Canadian press.

"Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB made significant contributions while serving the St. Michael’s community as a member of its Collegium," said Collegium Chair Fr. Don McLeod in a message posted to the college’s twitter account on Feb. 25. "Over the weekend, I received and have respectfully accepted his resignation from the Collegium." 

On Feb. 22,  Canada’s National Post reported that Rosica "has been plagiarizing in his columns and essays, using words previously published by other authors without credit." 

"What I’ve done is wrong, and I am sorry about that. I don’t know how else to say it," he told the National Post in a phone interview from Rome.

Rosica has held a number of influential positions in Catholic public life. He served as the English-speaking Media Attache of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican under Pope Benedict XVI and later as an English language assistant to the Holy See Press Office under Pope Francis until the end of 2016. He is also the CEO of the Canadian religious television channel Salt and Light.

In a statement released on Rosica’s Facebook page, the Basilian Fathers Community wrote: "Plagiarism of any kind is wrong. When it is committed knowingly it rises to the level of a moral offense. As a community of Catholic educators we condemn it, without qualification. At the same time, we embrace our brother despite this failing for which he has taken full responsibility. With him, we apologize to those who have been offended by the misuse of their literary gifts."