Clergy abuse

The Latest

Father Jerome "Jerry" Kaywell, a Grammy award-winning musician, had been placed on leave amid claims of sexual misconduct before his accuser apologized and said the accusations were based on a "false memory."

Grammy-winning Florida priest cleared of sexual misconduct charges

Mar 19, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Bishop Frank Dewane said that Father Jerome Kaywell’s accuser apologized and said the accusation of sexual misconduct was based on... Read more

The flag of Vatican City.

Pope Francis laicizes Toledo priest after life sentence for sexual abuse of minors

Mar 19, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Pope Francis has laicized an Ohio priest, Michael Zacharias, who was convicted on five counts of sex trafficking by a... Read more

A Colombian psychologist bishop and a retired colonel from the Illinois State Police are the new secretaries of the Pontifical Commission for the Guardianship of Minors.

Pope Francis names U.S. police professional, Colombian bishop to minor protection commission

Mar 15, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

Pope Francis on Friday made two appointments to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.  Read more

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Priest sues Indiana diocese after ‘no evidence’ found in sex abuse investigation

Mar 14, 2024

By Daniel Payne

A priest in Indiana is suing his diocese for fraud and defamation after he was suspended over what the clergyman... Read more

Built in 1930, the Courier-Express Building is home to the Catholic Center of Buffalo.

Diocese of Buffalo announces sale of headquarters to pay sex abuse victims

Mar 14, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The Diocese of Buffalo in New York has announced the sale of its headquarters in downtown Buffalo nearly four years... Read more

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Pope Francis laicizes North Dakota priest after sexual assault guilty plea

Mar 12, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Diocese of Fargo Bishop John Folda said in a statement this month that former priest Neil Pfeifer “received a dispensation... Read more

Pope Francis joines the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in prayer at the Vatican on March 7, 2024.

Pope Francis to clergy abuse commission: ‘Our commitment must not wane’

Mar 7, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

“I encourage you to move forward so that the Church will be, always and everywhere, a place where everyone can... Read more

The Redemptor Hominis chapel of the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Washington, D.C., is decorated with mosaics by Father Marko Rupnik.

John Paul II shrine ‘considering’ whether to remove mosaics by Father Rupnik

Mar 6, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

“We are carefully considering the best course of action concerning the art that was installed by the Centro Aletti community... Read more

The Apostolic Nunciature of Poland has revealed further information regarding the resignation of Polish Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga, indicating that he stepped down due to alleged negligence in overseeing sexual abuse claims.

Polish nunciature: Archbishop’s resignation linked to negligence in addressing abuse claims

Feb 29, 2024

By Daniel Payne

According to a 2021 report by the Polish Catholic outlet Więź, the Polish nunciature had received four reports from three... Read more

CNA

Prosecutor vows to try ‘on a gurney’ 92-year-old Louisiana priest accused of rape

Feb 27, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Lawrence Hecker was indicted on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, an aggravated crime against nature, and theft in September... Read more

Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga of Szczecin-Kamien, Poland.

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Polish archbishop accused of ignoring abuse

Feb 26, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

Church authorities did not provide a reason for the resignation of Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga, which was announced Feb. 24. Read more

Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral in Broome, Australia.

Australian bishop Christopher Saunders arrested, charged with rape 

Feb 22, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

The charges came after the Vatican turned over to civil authorities its findings on allegations that Christopher Saunders abused vulnerable... Read more

The associated pastor of St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee, has been removed from his duties after being indicted on charges of sexual abuse.

Tennessee priest indicted on multiple sexual abuse charges

Feb 12, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Father Juan Carlos Garcia was associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin at the time the allegations were... Read more

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Former South Carolina priest sentenced to 21 years in prison over child sex abuse

Feb 12, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Jamie Adolfo Gonzalez-Farias “was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison” following his conviction. Read more

Father Jerome "Jerry" Kaywell, a Grammy award-winning musician, has been placed on leave amid claims of sexual misconduct with a minor that allegedly occurred years ago.

Florida diocese places Grammy-winning priest on leave amid sexual misconduct allegations

Feb 9, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The Diocese of Venice “received notification from a law firm of an allegation of sexual misconduct by Rev. Jerome Kaywell... Read more

Sculpture of St. Peter outside of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Vatican appeals court sentences priest to prison for sexual abuse of teen

Jan 24, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

Father Gabriele Martinelli was accused of forcing the former altar server, identified as L.G., to have sexual relations with him... Read more

Theodore McCarrick before his laicization.

McCarrick found incompetent to stand trial in Wisconsin, case suspended

Jan 10, 2024

By Joe Bukuras

The suspension practically ends the last standing criminal case against 93-year-old Theodore McCarrick, who once held offices at the highest... Read more

St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan.

Michigan attorney general releases second report of clergy abuse in state

Jan 9, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The Michigan attorney general is conducting investigations of abuse allegations in each of the seven Catholic dioceses in the state. Read more

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Franciscan Friars of California announce bankruptcy filing over dozens of sex abuse claims

Jan 3, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The Franciscans of the Province of St. Barbara said on its website on Tuesday that it had filed a Chapter... Read more

Father Marko Rupnik.

Vatican closing down Loyola Community co-founded by Rupnik

Dec 15, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The shutdown, which must take place within one year, is “due to serious problems concerning the exercise of authority and... Read more