Baltimore, Md., Nov 13, 2019 / 11:48 am
A national third-party reporting system for allegations of abuse, neglect, or misconduct against bishops could be activated by February 2020, the U.S. bishops' conference said Wednesday.
Anthony Picarello, general counsel for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told bishops Nov. 13 at their annual fall meeting in Baltimore that a contract had been finalized for the anticipated third-party reporting mechanism for allegations of abuse, neglect, or misconduct made against bishops.
The system could be ready for use by February 2020, he said, well ahead of the Holy See's May deadline. However, metropolitans and dioceses would need to be ready to receive allegations.
Picarello spoke to the U.S. bishops near the close of their general meeting in Baltimore held Nov. 11-14. The bishops had elected a new conference president-Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles-and a new vice president, Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit, as well as six committee chairs.