clerical sexual abuse

The Latest

Rhode Island State House in Providence, Rhode Island. Via Shutterstock

Providence diocese won't comment on bill expanding liability for child sex abuse

Mar 3, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The Diocese of Providence is refusing to comment on a bill that would provide increased opportunities for victims of child... Read more

Vatican exonerates retired bishop of multiple abuse claims but issues canonical rebuke

Jan 26, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The Vatican’s doctrinal congregation has exonerated retired Bishop Joseph Hart of Cheyenne over numerous accusations of the sexual abuse of... Read more

Father Michael Pfleger / Photo: Daniel X. O'Neil CC BY 2.0

Father Michael Pfleger, activist Chicago priest, faces claim of abusing minor

Jan 5, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

The outspoken activist Chicago priest Father Michael Pfleger faces an allegation that he sexually abused a minor over 40 years... Read more

Fr. Marcin Garbacz.

Priest jailed for theft blames Catholic doctrine, also facing sex abuse charges

Nov 25, 2020

By JD Flynn

A South Dakota priest has been sentenced to almost eight years in federal prison, after he was convicted of 65... Read more

Abuse survivor: ‘All Catholics will be grieving’ when McCarrick report is released

Nov 6, 2020

By Jonah McKeown

One clerical abuse survivor and advocate told CNA that as hard as it will be to read the McCarrick Report... Read more

Fr. Josef Kentenich.

Details of Schoenstatt founder abuse and coercion allegations emerge

Nov 5, 2020

A Church historian has published some details regarding the allegations of abuse made against  Fr. Josef Kentenich, founder of the... Read more

Jeremy Leatherby. CNA file photo.

Priest who denied Pope Francis laicized, bishop urges reparation for clergy sexual abuse

Nov 2, 2020

A California priest who was excommunicated after denying the legitimacy of Pope Francis has been laicized, according to a Nov.... Read more

Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans in Rome, Jan. 26, 2012.

New Orleans archdiocese seeks laicization for all clergy credibly accused of sex abuse

Oct 27, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

While scandalous allegations against two New Orleans-area priests have again raised questions about the Church’s response to clergy misconduct, the... Read more

Gina Barthel. Courtesy photo.

Her abuse story was posted to her parish Facebook - and then taken down. Why it’s back, and why that matters

Oct 21, 2020

By Mary Farrow

What happened in her parish after Gina Barthel shared her story of clerical sexual abuse, and why it matters.  Read more

Participants at a prayer rally for priests and seminarians in New Orleans held small rocks as they prayed, which were then given to seminarians as a reminder of the prayers.

Amid scandal, these Louisiana Catholics say priests ‘rock’

Oct 14, 2020

By Mary Farrow

Like many Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans these days, Theresa Truxillo said she was alarmed when she learned... Read more

Fr. Pat Wattigny.

Lawyer says New Orleans priest groomed teens by text, archdiocese doubles down on defense

Oct 9, 2020

By JD Flynn

The Archdiocese of New Orleans defended on Friday its handling of a priest who sent text messages to at least... Read more

Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan.

New Jersey diocese declares bankruptcy

Oct 2, 2020

The Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, announced on Thursday that it is filing for bankruptcy, the second Catholic diocese to... Read more

Attorney General Dana Nessel of Michigan.

Michigan AG to announce new abuse charges against Catholic priests

Sep 30, 2020

Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel told local news this week that she plans to announce new charges against “a dozen... Read more

Omaha priest files $2.1 million defamation suit against archdiocese

Sep 9, 2020

A priest in Omaha who was removed from ministry in 2018 following claims of boundary violations is suing the Archdiocese... Read more

Bishop Jaime Soto.

Excommunicated priest rejects Pope Francis, misconduct allegations

Aug 11, 2020

By JD Flynn

A Sacramento priest excommunicated last week says he stands by his claim that Pope emeritus Benedict XVI is the true... Read more

St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield, Mass.

Deceased Massachusetts bishop accused of sexual abuse had roots in New York archdiocese

Aug 11, 2020

Archbishop-designate Mitchell Rozanski, who will take over the Archdiocese of St. Louis this month, oversaw an investigation into the late... Read more

International Seminary of Saint Pius X, in Écône, Switzerland.

SSPX accused of intimidating would-be whistleblowers amid abuse investigation

Aug 6, 2020

After an official with the Society of St. Pius X told priests and staff they should speak with criminal investigators... Read more

Governor Andrew Cuomo speaking at press conference, May, 2019.

New York extends window for abuse lawsuits

Aug 3, 2020

On August 3, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation extending the one-year window for Child Victims Act lawsuits until August 14, 2021.... Read more

Theodore McCarrick before his laicization.

Lawsuit claims McCarrick headed abusive ‘sex ring,’ names alleged ‘procurer’

Jul 22, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

A lawsuit filed Tuesday charges that former cardinal Theodore McCarrick sexually abused a boy and aided his abuse by several... Read more

Then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick arrives at the Vatican on March 5, 2013. CNA file photo.

What Ted McCarrick's 'social networks' could teach the Church

Jul 17, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

The bishops of the Catholic Church form that kind of social network. And mapping that network can provide some insight... Read more