Clerical Abuse
The Latest
Some abuse victims dissatisfied by Rochester diocese's bankruptcy plan
A proposed settlement deal between the Diocese of Rochester and several insurance agencies has drawn criticism from a group of... Read more
Safeguarding expert to lead Rome’s new anthropology institute
Fr. Hans Zollner S.J. will serve as director of the institute at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Read more
Iowa attorney general releases report on clergy sex abuse
The Iowa Attorney General’s office has released a 30-page report on sexual abuse by members of the clergy, almost exactly... Read more
Springfield bishop appoints co-chairs of sex abuse task force
The bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts has announced the appointment of two social workers to lead an independent task force... Read more
UN experts’ letter to Vatican has ‘no real teeth,’ says Church official
The letter accused the Holy See of engaging in “obstructive practices” related to abuse. Read more
Statement by UN ‘experts’ seeks to discredit the Holy See
The statement by a group of U.N. experts will ‘give the Holy See a pie in the face.’ Read more
Pope Francis unveils sweeping reform of Catholic Church’s penal sanctions
Pope Francis wrote in the apostolic constitution introducing the changes that those who have committed a crime “need both mercy... Read more
Vatican imposes penalties on retired Polish bishop after ‘Vos estis’ probe
Bishop Tadeusz Rakoczy led the Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec from 1992 to 2013. Read more
Pope Francis orders apostolic visitation of Cardinal Woelki’s Cologne archdiocese
Apostolic visitors will evaluate “possible mistakes” by the cardinal and archdiocesan officials. Read more
Vatican abuse trial: Witness testimony gives conflicting view of victim, pre-seminary
The Vatican City State’s criminal court heard testimony from five witnesses. Read more
Vatican responds to bishops’ call to amend Church law on crimes against minors
The Vatican told English and Welsh bishops that it was in the process of altering the Code of Canon Law. Read more
Montreal archbishop appoints ombudsman to oversee abuse complaints
The Archdiocese of Montreal announced Wednesday the appointment of an independent ombudsman, Marie Christine Kirouac, to receive all complaints of... Read more
Safeguarding expert: Guidelines are ‘in vain’ if not upheld by Church powers
Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J, explains why Rome’s Center for Child Protection is becoming an anthropology institute. Read more
Chicago case highlights religious orders that have not published lists of credibly accused clergy
Recent reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times highlighted several religious orders active in Chicago that have not released lists of members... Read more
German Catholic archbishop offers to resign from office after abuse report findings
A German archbishop has announced that he is offering his resignation to Pope Francis and requesting “immediate release” from all... Read more
Vatican abuse trial: Victim alleges 6 years of abuse by older student
The alleged victim in a trial concerning a Vatican youth seminary has testified that he was sexually assaulted over a... Read more
Providence diocese won't comment on bill expanding liability for child sex abuse
The Diocese of Providence is refusing to comment on a bill that would provide increased opportunities for victims of child... Read more
Vatican abuse trial: Witnesses say allegations about youth seminary were ignored
Witnesses at the fifth hearing in a trial for alleged abuse and cover-up at a Vatican youth seminary testified Wednesday... Read more
Accused priest asserts innocence at Vatican seminary abuse hearing
At a hearing on Wednesday in a trial for alleged abuse and cover-up at a Vatican youth seminary, a defendant asserted... Read more
German cardinal says he will keep promise to publish abuse report
A German cardinal facing calls to resign confirmed on Thursday that he would release an eagerly awaited report on abuse... Read more
