Sexual abuse of minors

The Latest

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Church in Spain collects almost 1,000 complaints of sexual abuse since 1945

Jun 2, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

The report does not include situations involving the abuse of conscience and power or committed against adults. Read more

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Cleveland priest sentenced to life in prison for child pornography, exploitation

Nov 10, 2021

By Autumn Jones

On Tuesday, Father Robert McWilliams was sentenced to life in prison on convictions of sex trafficking of youths under 18,... Read more

Archbishop emeritus Marian Gołębiewski of Wrocław, Poland

Vatican sanctions retired Polish archbishop after ‘Vos estis’ cover-up inquiry

Aug 21, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican has imposed penalties on another Catholic bishop in Poland for mishandling abuse cases. Read more

French Flag.

Investigator: There could be 10,000 abuse victims in French Catholic Church since 1950

Mar 3, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The head of an independent commission said on Tuesday that there could be at least 10,000 victims of sexual abuse... Read more

Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland, pictured June 22, 2016. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Poland’s Catholic Church holds day of prayer for abuse survivors

Feb 18, 2021

Poland’s Catholic Church on Friday will observe a day of prayer for abuse survivors.  Read more

Church in Australia to implement nationwide protocol for responding to abuse allegations

Jan 28, 2021

Starting in February, the Catholic Church in Australia will have a national protocol for responding to allegations of sexual abuse,... Read more

Priest collar.

North Dakota concludes investigation of clerical sex abuse

Jan 5, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

An 18-month-long investigation into child sexual abuse in North Dakota’s two dioceses has concluded, the state’s attorney general announced Monday.  Read more

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver.

Colorado's Catholic dioceses pay $6.6 million in abuse settlements

Oct 19, 2020

An independent reparation and reconciliation program for the three dioceses in Colorado announced Friday that $6.68 million had been paid... Read more

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Va.

Richmond Catholic diocese to pay $6.3 million in abuse settlements

Oct 16, 2020

The Diocese of Richmond is set to pay a total of $6.3 million in settlements to more than 50 victims... Read more

Ohio priest arrested on sex trafficking charges

Aug 18, 2020

A priest in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio was arrested and charged with sex trafficking on Tuesday. The diocese has... Read more

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, New York.

Catholic Diocese of Syracuse to file for bankruptcy amid Child Victims Act suits

Jun 19, 2020

The Diocese of Syracuse announced Friday it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid the financial impact of numerous sexual... Read more

The flag of France.

French investigation: sex abuse of minors in Catholic Church tops 3,000 victims over 70 years

Jun 18, 2020

Over the last seven decades at least 3,000 children were sexually abused by Catholic clergy or officials in France, according... Read more

The Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola, N.Y.

NY judge upholds Child Victims Act after challenge by Rockville Centre diocese

May 14, 2020

A judge ruled Wednesday that New York's Child Victims Act is constitutional, rejecting a suit filed by the Diocese of... Read more

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, pictured in 2016.

Cuomo orders expanded window for NY sex abuse lawsuits, citing coronavirus

May 12, 2020

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued an executive order to extend for five months the legal window for victims... Read more

Bernard Preynat, a former priest accused of sexual assault, leaves the Lyon courthouse, Jan. 13, 2020.

Former priest on trial in France for sexual abuse of minors

Jan 15, 2020

Bernard Preynat, a former priest of the Archdiocese of Lyon, is on trial before a civil court in France. He... Read more

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver speaks before the Colorado capitol, Jan. 17, 2015.

Colorado dioceses announces independent reparations program for abuse victims

Oct 8, 2019

The Catholic bishops of Colorado announced Monday an independent reparation and reconciliation program that will provide for victims of clerical... Read more

Bishop Michael Bransfield. CNA file photo.

Bishop Bransfield facing new abuse allegation

Oct 3, 2019

Former Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston Michael Branfield is facing an allegation that he touched inappropriately a nine year-old girl during a... Read more

St Mary's Catherdral, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Via Shutterstock.

Australian bishop rejects calls to dismantle seminaries

Oct 3, 2019

A Catholic bishop in Australia has dismissed media reports that Church leaders are considering a radical overhaul of priestly formation.  Read more

St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City. Via Shutterstock

Case dismissed against New York priest accused of abuse

Sep 25, 2019

A priest of the Archdiocese of New York has been cleared of accusations of sexual abuse after the judge dismissed the... Read more

The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City, which houses the main office of the Missouri Attorney General.

Missouri AG refers 12 former clerics for prosecution

Sep 13, 2019

Missouri attorney general Eric Schmitt released Friday a report on his investigation into sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clerics... Read more