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Abuse crisis
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.
Former cardinal McCarrick faces new abuse charge
Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick faces a new charge of sexual assault in the US state of Wisconsin, in addition to those he is battling in a Massachusetts court. Source: OSV News.
Pope broadens rules for investigating abuse allegations
Pope Francis has updated the procedures for investigating sexual abuse allegations, specifying that leaders of international Catholic lay associations and movements have the same responsibilities over their members that bishops have over diocesan priests. Source: CNS.