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Abuse crisis
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.
New ministries take Christ to abuse survivors to promote healing
A US archdiocese has introduced two new ministries to promote healing for those harmed by clergy abuse. Source: OSV News.
Polish Church condemns abuse charges against John Paul II
Polish Church leaders have reacted angrily to new claims that St John Paul II covered up clerical sexual abuse while serving as Archbishop of Krakow before his papal election and vowed to “defend his good name”. Source: The Tablet.
Abuse a clear and present danger: Pope
Establishing clear procedures for protecting vulnerable people against abuse “must become a priority in every local church”, Pope Francis has told a Latin American congress. Source: NCR Online.
Polish bishops and experts reject allegations St John Paul II covered up abuse
The Polish Bishops’ Conference says that “further archival research” is needed to fairly assess a new allegation, based on communist secret police records, that St John Paul II covered up child sexual abuse by a priest while serving as the archbishop of Krakow. Source: CNA.
Pope calls for prayers for victims of abuse
Pope Francis has dedicated this month to praying for victims of abuse, saying simply asking forgiveness is not enough, but the Church must put victims first and avoid cover-up. Source: Crux.
Report claiming McCarrick not competent to stand trial challenged
United States prosecutors are challenging the medical report claiming former cardinal Theodore McCarrick is not competent to stand trial on charges he sexually abused a teenager in the 1970s. Source: OSV News.
New restrictions against Jesuit possible after credible abuse accusations
The Society of Jesus said it will open a new internal investigation on Fr Marko Rupnik SJ after receiving abuse accusations with a “very high” degree of credibility against the artist. Source: CNA.