clearical sexual abuse Archives

Parolin says McCarrick investigation ongoing, gives no timetable

May 29, 2019

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said an investigation into who knew what about ex-cardinal and ex-priest Theodore McCarrick and how he rose to power despite open rumors of sexual misconduct is ongoing, but he did not give a timeline of when to expect the findings.

By Elise Harris

Theologian, survivor argues that Jesus himself suffered sexual abuse

Apr 9, 2019

Rocio Figueroa, a theologian and sexual abuse survivor, has published a study with some surprising findings: Namely, that Jesus was a victim of sexual abuse – a concept survivors who participated in the study said could be helpful for the Church, yet hard to swallow.

By Elise Harris

Italian cardinal: Church must prevent abuse, not just condemn it

Oct 25, 2018

The head of the Italian bishops’ conference confirmed that sexual abuse will be “thoroughly addressed” in the final document of this month’s summit of bishops at the Vatican on young people.

By Claire Giangravè

Critics who rallied against papal Mass say he needs to do more

Aug 27, 2018

While throngs of enthusiasts gathered for Pope Francis’s closing Mass for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, across town papal critics held a rally and silent march in support of victims of clerical and institutional abuse in the Catholic Church, and to call for change.

By Elise Harris

Cupich: On abuse, focus should be victims rather than Church’s credibility

Aug 23, 2018

Amid fears that after the Pennsylvania grand jury report the Church in the United States could face a fallout similar to what Ireland faced after the Murphy report went public in 2009, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said the primary focus should be victims, not the Church’s reputation.

By Elise Harris

Grand Jury puts Wuerl’s Pittsburgh record under a microscope

Aug 20, 2018

Cardinal Donald Wuerl this week withdrew as a keynote speaker from the World Meeting of Families after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found that he mishandled several abuse cases while serving as Bishop of Pittsburgh.

By Elise Harris