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Abuse crisis
Convicted paedophile pleads guilty to another offence
One of Australia’s worst paedophile priests, Gerald Ridsdale, has pleaded guilty to another historical sexual crime after a 72nd victim came forward. Source: The Australian.
Pope expresses ‘shame and dismay’ over abuse of minors in Bolivia
Pope Francis has sent a letter to the president of Bolivia expressing “feelings of shame and dismay” and a firm promise to work with the government of the South American country to end clerical sexual abuse of minors. Source: CNA.
Jesuits expel priest accused of abuse
The Superior General of the Jesuits has expelled Fr Marko Rupnik from the order, citing his “stubborn refusal” to obey measures imposed following credible accusations that he spiritually, psychologically or sexually abused some two dozen women and at least one man. Source: OSV News.
Abuse survivors cycle from Germany to Rome meet Pope
Pope Francis yesterday met briefly with a group of abuse survivors who undertook a bicycle pilgrimage from Germany to Rome to ask him to do everything in his power to heal and prevent abuses in the Church. Source: CNA.
Vatican abuse commission shifting to ‘impact-focused’ direction
The new projects and developments at the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors represent “a major shift toward a more impact-focused direction”, said its president, Cardinal Sean O’Malley OFM Cap. Source: NCR Online.
Church insurer facing challenges due to abuse claims
Church leaders say they remain fully committed to engaging with survivors of abuse with justice and compassion, including in the payment of compensation, as changes at Catholic Church Insurance loom. Source: The Australian.
Government removes redress scheme restrictions
Access to the National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse will be expanded to prisoners and a wider range of former child migrants. Source: Canberra Times.
Vatican authorities collaborate to improve help for abuse victims
The heads of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and a section of the Dicastery for Evangelisation have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving assistance to abuse victims, local churches and bishops in mission countries. Source: CNS.
Departing safeguarding expert says victims not listened to
The Pope’s safeguarding commission must not be merely engaged in “PR” but become a refuge for those abused by clergy and silenced by the Church, says leading safeguarding expert Fr Hans Zollner SJ. Source: NCR Online.