Sexual Abuse

The Latest

Cardinal reaffirms child protection pledge as documents release

Jan 22, 2014

Responding to the release of documents about Chicago priests accused of abusing minors over the past 50 years, Cardinal Francis... 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

   Pope Francis greets children as they arrive in Vatican City aboard a train during the Journey of Beauty event June 23, 2013.

Priest lauds Pope's commitment to protection of children

Dec 9, 2013

By Elise Harris

The founder of a new center aiding victims of abuse and their families praised the “courageous” actions of Pope Francis... Read more

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville takes part in a press conference at the USCCB's Fall General Assembly in Baltimore on Nov. 12, 2013.

US bishops' head supports Vatican anti-abuse commission

Dec 8, 2013

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, has welcomed Pope Francis’ new commission to fight the sexual... Read more

Legion of Christ reaffirms commitment to addressing sex abuse

Dec 5, 2013

The acting general director of the Legion of Christ has shared the steps the order has taken to prevent sexual... Read more

California State Capitol.

Calif. governor vetoes 'unfair' abuse lawsuit bill

Oct 15, 2013

California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a controversial bill that would have allowed more decades-old sexual abuse charges against Catholic... Read more

Priest's arrest shows Philadelphia reforms, attorney says

Sep 27, 2013

The Philadelphia archdiocese drew praise for its swift reporting of an inactive priest to authorities after a young man said... Read more

Archbishop Jerome Listecki.

Milwaukee archbishop releases abuse documentation

Jul 3, 2013

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki has released almost 6,000 pages of documents related to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s handling of sex... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi speaks to the media at the Vatican press office on Feb. 11, 2013.

Vatican expected SNAP case against Benedict XVI to fail

Jun 14, 2013

The Vatican is not at all surprised the International Criminal Court rejected a request by an abuse victims’ advocacy group... Read more

CNA

Expert says Church's abuse prevention should differ for each culture

Jun 6, 2013

An expert on dealing with sexual abuse cases within the Church says prevention guidelines being developed with Vatican oversight should... Read more

CNA

Accused Newark priest resigns from ministry

May 3, 2013

A priest accused of sexually abusing a minor in 2001 has resigned from ministry with the Newark archdiocese, after acknowledging... Read more

Protest launched over clerical sex abuse video game

Apr 17, 2013

Spanish civil rights groups have launched a campaign calling for the removal of a video game based on clerical sex... Read more

Movie on Catholic abuse scandal feared to be exploitative

Apr 12, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

An upcoming movie on the sex abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Boston has caused one screenwriter to worry that... Read more

Archbishop Gerhard L. Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. CNA file photo.

Pope Francis confirms strong stance against clerical abuse

Apr 5, 2013

Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Vatican process established by Benedict XVI for handling instances of sexual abuse by priests.  Read more

 Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles.

LA archbishop relieves Cardinal Mahony of duties, asks prayers for abuse victims

Jan 31, 2013

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez has relieved retired Cardinal Roger Mahony of his remaining duties after the release of... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi.

Vatican condemns sex abuse in wake of Jimmy Savile revelations

Oct 30, 2012

The Vatican has reiterated condemnation of sexual abuse following allegations against deceased British TV star Jimmy Savile, who during his... Read more

CNA

Pope accepts resignation of Chilean bishop accused of sexual abuse

Oct 9, 2012

On Oct. 9, Pope Benedict accepted the resignation of Bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes Fernadez of Iquique, Chile, who has been... Read more

CNA

Church in Chile confirms investigation of bishop for alleged abuse

Oct 3, 2012

In a statement Oct. 2, the Apostolic Nunciature in Chile revealed that local Bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes of Iquique is... Read more

Msgr. Cristobal Garcia.

Ivory smuggling charge against priest reveals abuse investigation

Sep 27, 2012

By Kevin J. Jones

A National Geographic story on ivory smuggling has renewed focus on a prominent Philippines priest accused of sexual abuse in... Read more

Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne.

Australian bishops pledge cooperation with abuse inquiry

Sep 24, 2012

The Catholic bishops of Australia’s Victoria state have said the Catholic Church in Victoria will cooperate “fully” with the Australian... Read more