Philadelphia, Pa., Jun 22, 2012 / 15:45 pm
In response to the jury decision in the trial of former Archdiocese of Philadelphia official Monsignor William J. Lynn, the archdiocese has offered a "heartfelt apology" to all abuse victims and expressed commitment to child safety and "reform and renewal."
"This has been a difficult time for all Catholics, especially victims of sexual abuse," the archdiocese said June 22. "The lessons of the last year have made our Church a more vigilant guardian of our people's safety."
A Philadelphia jury on Friday convicted Msgr. Lynn, the former secretary of clergy under Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, on a count of child endangerment for failing to protect children from abusive priests.
Prosecutors argued that Msgr. Lynn's actions showed a pattern by Church officials to cover up the abuse, but the jury found him not guilty on a conspiracy charge and a second count of endangerment.