All articles tagged with #church abuse
Originally Published 27 days ago — by The Guardian
Women in Argentina accuse Opus Dei of trafficking and forced servitude from childhood, prompting an international gathering and investigations, with calls for the church to listen and implement reforms.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by AP News
Naasón Joaquín García, leader of the Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo and serving over 16 years for sexual abuse, has been indicted on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, accused of exploiting followers for decades and creating child sexual abuse material, with authorities stating he used his influence to silence victims.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Vatican News
Pope Francis appointed French Archbishop Thibault Verny as the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, emphasizing continued efforts to combat child abuse within the Church and promote a culture of protection and victim support worldwide, building on previous work and fostering international collaboration.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Pillar
Pope Leo XIV is expected to appoint a new president for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors amid ongoing challenges in establishing authority and credibility in safeguarding efforts within the Church. Potential candidates include bishops Peter Karam and Thibault Verny, with the appointment likely to influence future safeguarding reforms and Vatican policies. The decision will be crucial for strengthening the Church's response to abuse scandals and ensuring effective oversight.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Crux Now
The Vatican's Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has criticized the failure of Church authorities in preventing abuse and covering up cases, stating that victims are left "wounded and in the dark." The commission pledged to push for changes to ensure that victims have access to truth, justice, and reparation. They also called on Church leaders to address these crimes effectively and create a respectful environment for all. The statement comes amidst the case of Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, a former Jesuit accused of sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse, highlighting the need for robust reforms in facing abuse and its mishandling by Church leaders. The commission urged the College of Cardinals and the Synod of Bishops to prioritize the issue of abuse and work towards a day when the Church takes full responsibility for the wrongs done to victims.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
As Pope Francis prepares to address Catholic youths in Portugal, the church is facing criticism for its handling of abuse claims, despite the pope's promises of accountability and reform. A recent independent commission report revealed that at least 4,815 children had been abused by church predators in Portugal since 1950. However, critics argue that the church's commitment to addressing the issue is mostly for show, as victims have expressed outrage over the lack of suspensions and investigations. Church officials have been accused of obstructing the commission's work and providing false testimony. The pope's efforts to establish a culture of accountability and regain church credibility are being questioned, with victims and advocates calling for more action.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Pillar
Pope Francis has promulgated an updated version of Vos estis lux mundi, a procedural policy aimed at investigating allegations of abuse or administrative negligence on the part of bishops and other leadership figures in the Church. The revised policy makes permanent the norms introduced experimentally by Pope Francis in 2019, while broadening the scope of the law to include investigations of lay leaders in international associations of the faithful. The updated version of Vos estis lux mundi clarifies that investigations of lay leaders will be undertaken under the aegis of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, which is given legal competence to oversee them.