clerical seuxal abuse Archives

Vatican welcomes Pell verdict, affirms anti-abuse resolve as survivors protest

Apr 7, 2020

In an April 7 statement just hours after the court’s verdict, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, “The Holy See, which has always expressed confidence in the Australian judicial authority, welcomes the High Court’s unanimous decision concerning Cardinal George Pell, acquitting him of the accusations of abuse of minors and overturning his sentence.”

By Elise Ann Allen

Survivors storm Rome to mark anniversary of global abuse summit

Feb 20, 2020

This week clerical abuse survivors from around the world have flocked to Rome to mark the one-year anniversary of Pope Francis’s global summit on child protection, which took place at the Vatican in February of last year.

By Elise Ann Allen

‘Pontifical secret’ still has role despite its abolition in sex abuse cases, expert says

Dec 20, 2019

Despite Pope Francis’s decision on Tuesday to abolish pontifical secrecy in cases of abuse, experts have said the secret is still relevant, and serves the needs of confidentiality in several other areas of the Church.

By Elise Harris

Argentine victim calls bishop’s apology for abuse a ‘mockery’

Nov 30, 2019

After hearing the recent apology of an Argentinian bishop who asked forgiveness of all those abused by priests and religious in the country, one victim said the plea was too little too late, and that instead of being a comfort, it was a source of anger.

By Elise Harris

Former Vatican Doctrine Czar says rift between Benedict XVI and Francis is impossible

Apr 15, 2019

Cardinal Müller said Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is ‘lucid,’ calls rift with Pope Francis on sexual abuse ‘impossible’.

By Claire Giangravè

Against all odds, women take star turns at bishops’ anti-abuse summit

Feb 24, 2019

As Pope Francis’s summit on the protection of minors is set to conclude, women have had a leading voice in the discussion, giving several keynote speeches urging greater accountability, transparency and ownership of the problem of child sexual abuse at a global level.

By Elise Harris