Sexual Abuse

The Latest

Penn. class action lawsuit seeks release of all sex abuse allegation records

Sep 17, 2018

A class action lawsuit filed Sept. 17 is seeking to require the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania to release all records... Read more

Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

Commentary: Red flags, abuse, and the final judgment

Sep 10, 2018

Christ tells us to recognize the false prophets, the ones who are secretly ravenous wolves longing to eat His people... Read more

St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

New York, New Jersey investigating Church response to abuse claims

Sep 6, 2018

Authorities in New York and New Jersey have announced investigations into local Catholic dioceses and Church entities, to determine how... Read more

Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone.

Bishop Malone says he fell short in handling allegations, but won't resign

Sep 5, 2018

Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo is resisting demands for his resignation after recently published  documents suggest that he mishandled allegations... Read more

Cardinal's biretta.

National Review Board calls for lay investigation of all misconduct claims

Aug 28, 2018

The body charged with advising the U.S. bishops on sexual abuse prevention has called for an independent lay-led investigation into... Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope: 'I will not say a single word' on Vigano's allegations of cover-up

Aug 26, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis said Sunday that he will not comment on claims by a former Vatican ambassador to the U.S. that... Read more

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.

Ex-nuncio accuses Pope Francis of failing to act on McCarrick's abuse reports

Aug 25, 2018

In an 11-page written testament, a former apostolic nuncio to the United States has accused several senior prelates of complicity... Read more

Pennsylvania capitol.

Does the Pa. grand jury report mean changes for statutes of limitations?

Aug 17, 2018

By Kevin J. Jones

Following a major grand jury report on past sexual abuse in six Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania, discussions continue over whether... Read more

Pope Francis.

'Shame and sorrow' – Holy See responds to Pennsylvania report

Aug 16, 2018

The Holy See on Thursday denounced sexual abuse and called for accountability for both perpetrators and leaders who covered up... Read more

Bishop Edward Scarfenberger. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Albany

Albany bishop: Lay commission should investigate claims against bishops

Aug 6, 2018

The Bishop of Albany said Monday that a commission of lay Catholics should be formed to investigate claims of abuse... Read more

Cardinal Tobin.

Cardinal Tobin: McCarrick's resignation necessary for accountability

Jul 30, 2018

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark responded Saturday to Archbishop Theodore McCarrick's resignation from the college of cardinals, which came amid numerous allegations... Read more

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

New sexual abuse allegations leveled against Cardinal McCarrick

Jul 19, 2018

A Virginia man filed a police report Monday, alleging that from the age of 11, he was sexually abused and... Read more

Archbishop Philip Wilson. CNA file photo

Australian archbishop sentenced to year's detention for not reporting sexual abuse

Jul 2, 2018

The Archbishop of Adelaide was sentenced Tuesday to a 12-month sentence after being convicted in May of failing to report... Read more

Vanity Fair ad takes '#MeToo' campaign to victims of religious violence

Jun 5, 2018

By Elise Harris

A new ad in the Italian edition of Vanity Fair magazine has given the global #MeToo movement another dimension, shining... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square March 14, 2018.

Pope Francis begins meetings with Chilean clerical abuse victims

Jun 2, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis begins his second set of meetings with victims of Fr. Fernando Karadima, a Chilean priest who committed sexual... Read more

Screenshot: Archbishop Hebda speaking at a May 31 press conference.

Minn. archbishop hopeful that abuse settlement will help bring healing

May 31, 2018

By Mary Farrow

Announcing a $210 million agreement with sexual abuse victims, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis said he hopes... Read more

Fathers Eugenio de la Fuente Lora, Alejandro Vial Amunátegui, and Francisco Javier Astaburuaga Ossa speak at a press conference in Santiago de Chile, May 23, 2018.

Clerical abuse arose from misuse of authority, Chilean priest says

May 23, 2018

By Elise Harris

One of the Chilean priests affected by the abuses of Fr. Fernando Karadima who will meet with Pope Francis in... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, March 14, 2018.

Pope to meet in June with Chilean clerical abuse victims

May 22, 2018

Pope Francis will meet for three days next month with victims of a Chilean priest who committed sexual abuse as... Read more

Pope Francis in January 2018.

Meeting abuse survivors, Pope apologizes for being 'part of the problem'

May 2, 2018

By Elise Harris

After meeting with Pope Francis over the weekend, Chilean survivors of clerical sexual abuse said the pontiff was open, sympathetic... Read more

Cardinal George Pell.

Facing criminal trial, Pell will remain on leave of absence from Vatican position

May 1, 2018

Cardinal George Pell will remain on a leave of absence from his Vatican position as he faces charges of “historic... Read more