Child Protection

The Latest

US bishops support day of prayer for sex abuse victims

Sep 19, 2016

In light of Pope Francis' call to pray for the victims of sexual abuse, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops... Read more

Extraordinary Assembly of Synod of the Bishops on the Family, Oct. 2014.

Pope's anti-abuse commission helps train new Catholic bishops

Sep 14, 2016

Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors have been invited to address the trainings for new Catholic... Read more

St. Louis priest falsely accused by anti-sex abuse group

Aug 25, 2016

A group for clergy sex abuse victims made false statements “negligently and with reckless disregard for the truth” against a... Read more

Spotlight Official Poster.

The other side of 'Spotlight': how the Church changed to fight sex abuse

Mar 1, 2016

By CNA Staff

While the movie “Spotlight” won Best Picture for portraying a journalistic investigation of the sex abuse crisis in Boston, the... Read more

Cardinal Sean O'Malley speaks with CNA in Rome on Feb. 4, 2013.

There's no question – reporting abuse is a must, Cardinal O'Malley says

Feb 16, 2016

By Elise Harris

After recent media reports suggested the Vatican is telling bishops to cover up sexual abuse, the Pontifical Commission for the... Read more

View of St. Peter's Basilica.

Vatican aims for child protection norms to be custom-fitted per culture

When it comes to protection against abuse, guidelines need to be implemented according to the customs of each country if... Read more

Cathedral of the Risen Christ. Lincoln, Nebraska.

For Lincoln diocese, audit adds to its effective child protection plan

Sep 11, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

The Diocese of Lincoln will now take part in the U.S. bishops' audit of the implementation of the youth protection... Read more

Priests celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

Confirmed priest abuse allegations in single digits for 2014

Apr 20, 2015

There are tens of thousands of Catholic clergy in the U.S. – but there were fewer than 10 substantiated allegations... Read more

Priests celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2015.

Is priestly celibacy the cause of clerical sex abuse? Not likely, victim says

Feb 7, 2015

By Elise Harris

One survivor of priestly sexual abuse says that despite a common perception that clerical celibacy can lead to sex abuse... Read more

Chicago archdiocese releases documents on older sex abuse cases

Nov 7, 2014

The Archdiocese of Chicago released new documents involving 36 priests with substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors with most... Read more

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston at the U.S. bishops' Fall General Assembly  2013.

Vatican child protection commission seeks global reach

May 3, 2014

Pope Francis’ new advisory commission on the protection of minors is expanding its membership to include representatives from around the... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi speaks about Pope Benedict XVIs resignation on Feb.11, 2013

Vatican: UN oversteps its boundaries in report conclusions

Feb 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a statement released by the Vatican, Fr. Federico Lombardi criticized the UN Child Protection Committee for their tone and... Read more

The United Nations flag flies outside UN Headquarters, September 20, 2011.

United Nations' report on Vatican sparks backlash in US

Feb 6, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

U.S. Catholic leaders criticized a United Nations committee report for trying to impose secular moral views and failing to acknowledge... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

Vatican official slams 'negative approach' of UN report

Feb 5, 2014

By Elise Harris

In wake of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child criticizing Vatican policies and calling for the Church... Read more

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi at the Pontifical North American College on March 8, 2012.

Protecting children is Church priority, Vatican officials tell UN

Jan 16, 2014

Violence against children and child exploitation are “crimes” and Pope Francis is working to protect children from the “scourge” of... Read more

Minn. archbishop grieves, issues apology over clergy sex abuse

Dec 17, 2013

Archbishop John Nienstedt has apologized for sex abuse by clergy in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis, urging Catholics to be hopeful... Read more