Clergy abuse

The Latest

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

Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick outside the Dedham District Court in Massachusetts on Sept. 3, 2021.

Theodore McCarrick case in Wisconsin hangs in the balance after new competency exam

Dec 6, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

If the Wisconsin case is dismissed, McCarrick could avoid any criminal penalties for the accusations of sexual abuse that saw... Read more

St. Agnes Cathedral, Diocese of Rockville Centre

New York diocese offers $200 million to abuse victims in largest-ever settlement offer

Nov 30, 2023

By Tina Dennelly

The plan includes an immediate cash payout of a minimum of $100,000 to claimants with a lawsuit and a $50,000... Read more

Bishop Georges Colomb of La Rochelle and Saintes was reportedly charged on Nov. 17, 2023, with attempted rape of an adult man in 2013.

French bishop charged with attempted 2013 rape of adult man

Nov 21, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Pope Francis has appointed an apostolic administrator of the La Rochelle and Saintes Diocese, while Bishop Georges Colomb will retain... Read more

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Ohio priest sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking 

Nov 20, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Parish priest Michael Zacharias was convicted on five counts of sex trafficking by a federal jury in the Northern District... Read more

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption, the seat of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Baltimore Archdiocese shuts down Mass at city parish after priest abuse scandal

Nov 6, 2023

By Daniel Payne

In a statement on Saturday, the archdiocese announced that “a pastor will not be named for St. Benedict Church” following... Read more

Father Marko Rupnik, SJ.

Vatican: Pope Francis has lifted the statute of limitations on Rupnik case

Oct 27, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has decided to lift the statute of limitations in the case of Father... Read more

Father Marko Rupnik.

UPDATE: Rupnik ‘presumed innocent’ until proven guilty, says diocese that welcomed him

Oct 25, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Mosaic artist Father Marko Rupnik, who has been accused of serious abuses against women, was dismissed from the Jesuits in... Read more

Cardinal Sean O'Malley briefs reporters during a Vatican abuse summit.

Boston Archdiocese opposes bill eliminating time limits for child sex abuse claims

Oct 5, 2023

By Matt McDonald

The current bill being considered by the Legislature would eliminate the time limit and allow lawsuits at any time against... Read more