clerical seuxal abuse Archives

Vatican launches investigation of abuse crisis in Cologne archdiocese

May 29, 2021

The Vatican has launched an apostolic visitation into the Archdiocese of Cologne following months of public fallout over the reported mishandling of clerical abuse cases.

By Elise Ann Allen

Catholic leaders tell Harvard panel victims are ‘true north’ of anti-abuse fight

Apr 10, 2021

On the 100th birthday of his priest abuser, Mark J. Williams visited his abuser’s gravesite and “let it go.” He forgave the man for the pain he had caused.

By John Lavenburg

Suit alleges sexual misconduct by Orchard Lake Schools’ chancellor in Michigan

Dec 18, 2020

The chancellor of the Orchard Lake Schools in Michigan is on administrative leave after a lawsuit filed in federal court Dec. 14 alleged he pressured two employees into sexual activities and retaliated against them when they rebuffed his advances.

By Michael Stechschulte, CNS

Vegas diocese adds name to list of credibly accused clergy

Aug 23, 2020

Church officials in Nevada said Friday they’re following their counterparts in Louisiana in adding a Catholic priest who was suspended in 2018 to a list of clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse.

By Associated Press

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