In more than seven years as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has issued numerous new laws and guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up by church officials.
Child & Youth Protection
USCCB president apologizes to clergy abuse victims as report is released
Calling a Vatican report on its investigation into its knowledge of sexual improprieties of Theodore McCarrick while a clergyman, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles said the findings mark “another tragic chapter in the church’s long struggle to confront the crimes of sexual abuse by clergy.”
McCarrick report summary cites lack of serious investigations of rumors
Although dogged for years by rumors of sexual impropriety, Theodore E. McCarrick was able to rise up the Catholic hierarchical structure based on personal contacts, protestations of his innocence and a lack of church officials reporting and investigating accusations, according to the Vatican summary of its report on the matter.
Timeline of key events in case of former Cardinal McCarrick
Here is a timeline of key events in the life of Theodore E. McCarrick, beginning with his ordination as a priest for the Archdiocese of New York more than 60 years ago.
Vatican report on investigation into ex-Cardinal McCarrick to be released Nov. 10
Vatican officials announced Nov. 6 that the Holy See will release Nov. 10 a long-awaited report on the investigation about the ascent to power of now-disgraced former U.S. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick.
Accountability in the Church: A message from Archbishop Lori
Archbishop William E. Lori sent the following message to the people of the Archdiocese of Baltimore July 23, 2020.
Senior judge joins Independent Review Board to assist archdiocese with abuse policies
As a retired judge for the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, Alexander Wright Jr. has tried cases and reviewed and written court opinions involving cases of abuse of children
Vatican releases guide on how leaders must handle abuse allegations
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a 17-page document offering a step-by-step guide for how bishops, religious superiors and canon lawyers are supposed to handle accusations of alleged abuse by clerics against minors.
Reports highlight Archdiocese of Baltimore’s efforts to address child sexual abuse
The Archdiocese of Baltimore released a pair of reports May 6 regarding the church’s efforts and activities relating to child sexual abuse in the church.
Reporting system to record abuse complaints against bishops begins
A reporting system accepting sexual misconduct allegations against U.S. bishops and eparchs is in place.
Archdiocese of Baltimore rolls out new national system to receive complaints against bishops
The Archdiocese of Baltimore implemented locally a new national reporting system for allegations against bishops for sexual misconduct that was activated March 16.
Maryland bishops: End criminal statute of limitations for interfering with abuse reporting
The Maryland bishops are supporting a bill that would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for those that prevent or interfere with the reporting of child sexual abuse.