Child pornography is “criminality available to everyone through their phones,” Pope Francis said.
Child & Youth Protection
Papal commission incorporates global feedback in safeguarding guidelines
Four months after soliciting public input on the development of safeguarding guidelines, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said it had reviewed 300 responses and 700 suggestions that “largely confirmed the approach adopted” for establishing rules and procedures to handle abuse in the Catholic Church.
Compensating all claims of abuse: Archdiocese considers Chapter 11 reorganization
Archbishop William E. Lori said that in light of the Oct. 1 implementation of a new law in Maryland that removed any statute of limitations for civil suits involving child sexual abuse approaches, the archdiocese was weighing its options to respond to potential lawsuits.
Archbishop Lori says Baltimore archdiocese will consider reorganization to address potential claims
Archbishop William E. Lori told Catholics that the Archdiocese of Baltimore is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization as one option to deal with lawsuits expected to be filed when the Child Victims Act takes effect Oct. 1.
Circuit judge will allow release of most names in abuse report
A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge released an order Aug. 22 that will allow the Maryland Attorney General to reveal some of the 46 names that were redacted in the original release of its November 2022 report on clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Archdiocese of Baltimore’s clergy abuse list updated
The Archdiocese of Baltimore June 30 updated its website listing of individuals accused of child sexual abuse.
Archdiocese investigating report of abuse by Josephite priest who is no longer in active ministry
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is investigating a report of sexual abuse of a minor by a Josephite priest who served in East Baltimore in the 1970s.
Caviezel: ‘Sound of Freedom’ a ‘weapon of mass instruction’ to end child trafficking
A new film starring Jim Caviezel aims to move millions to end the scourge of child trafficking.
Texas becomes seventh state to implement age verification for accessing online pornography
Texas has become the seventh state to enact a law requiring age verification for viewing pornography online.
Bishops to Congress, faithful: Fight increasing online child exploitation
The U.S. bishops are encouraging Catholics to join them in asking Congress to protect children online, both from viewing pornography and from becoming victims of child pornography and exploitation.
Nearly 2,000 children abused by Catholic clergy over decades, says Illinois AG report
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a May 23 report revealing decades of abuse by Catholic clergy against almost 2,000 children.
Abuse survivor reflects on John Merzbacher’s death
“And I get no pleasure from his death because I wish none of it had happened,” Elizabeth Ann Murphy said. “It still doesn’t restore my childhood.”