News/International
WASHINGTON – In an Aug. 16 interview with Eternal Word Television Network, Erie Bishop Lawrence T. Persico said the only way to regain the trust of the laity after decades-long claims of sexual abuse by priests and others at six Pennsylvania dioceses is by deeds and one of those deeds may mean getting rid of bishops who hid abusers.
Vatican wants accountability for abusers, those who orchestrated sex abuse cover ups
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – In the wake of a grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in six dioceses in Pennsylvania, a Vatican spokesman called the abuses described in the report as being "criminal and morally reprehensible."
Pennsylvania bishop apologizes, explains diocese's 30-year record dealing with abuse
By Catholic News Service
PITTSBURGH – Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh expressed sorrow and apologized to young victims of clergy sexual abuse, while explaining his diocese's 30-year record of working to remove offenders, assist victims and prevent further abuse.
Cardinal DiNardo lays out three steps on dealing with the 'moral catastrophe' of abuse scandal
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Aug. 16 announced three key goals and a comprehensive plan to address the "moral catastrophe" of the new abuse scandal hitting the U.S. church.
Pressure mounts for Pope to address abuse scandal leading up to World Meeting of Families
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – Pope Francis is traveling to Ireland specifically for the World Meeting of Families, but the sex abuse crisis is dominating headlines before his Aug. 25-26 trip.
"Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, dies at 76 after battling health issues
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service
Aretha Franklin, a singer who began her career with gospel music and was later crowned the “Queen of Soul,” died Thursday (Aug. 16) after battling a range of health issues. She was 76.
Cardinal O'Malley to miss World Meeting of Families to focus on seminary matters
By Catholic News Service
BOSTON – The Archdiocese of Boston announced Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley will not attend the World Meeting of Families in Dublin Aug. 21-26.
Catholics express worry, disbelief, anger at new sex abuse revelations in U.S.
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – After the first allegations of abuse against Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick were publicized in mid-June, employees at the U.S. bishops' conference headquarters in Washington were bracing for calls from Catholics confused, outraged or anything in between regarding the emerging scandal.
Report: More than 1,000 cases of minors raped, groomed by clergy, hidden by culture of secrecy
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – The report begins dramatically, imploring its readers: "We, the members of this grand jury, need you to hear this."
Pennsylvania grand jury says church purposely hiding sex abuse allegations for decades
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – A Pennsylvania grand jury report issued Aug. 14 paints a picture of a Catholic Church in six of the state's dioceses that for decades handled claims of sex abuse of minors under its care by hiding the allegations and its victims.
U.S. bishops 'shamed' by 'sins, omissions' of priests, bishops leading to sex abuse
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – The U.S. bishops as "are shamed by and sorry for the sins and omissions by Catholic priests and Catholic bishops" that have led to sexual abuse and caused great harm to many, said an Aug. 14 statement from the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairman of its child protection committee.