The report is believed to detail allegations of widespread sexual abuse and cover-ups within the dioceses over the last 70 years. It is expected to be released later this week and to contain the names of approximately 300 individuals suspected of abuse or of covering up abuse.
The report was initially scheduled for publication at the end of June, but delayed following legal challenges by some of those named in it.
After initially staying the release, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered that a partially redacted version be published no later than August 14. Sources have told CNA that the Pennsylvania dioceses are expecting it to be released on Wednesday, August 8.
Bishop Zubik said that the Diocese of Pittsburgh had "fully cooperated" with the state's attorney general and has not tried to block publication of the report.
The full list of accused clergy from Pittsburgh will be released after the grand jury report, Zubik explained, "out of respect for the work of the grand jury and the process outlined by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania." Other dioceses in the state, including Harrisburg, have already released lists of priests, deacons, and seminarians who were accused of abuse or misconduct during the past seven decades.
In the letter, Zubik told parishioners that more than 90 percent of abuse claims occurred before 1990. The period investigated by the state's attorney general includes the period when Cardinal Donald Wuerl served as Bishop of Pittsburgh. Wuerl was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 until 2006, when he was appointed the Archbishop of Washington.