ROME -- The postulator and the commission involved in investigating the life of Pope John Paul II for sainthood cause found no evidence that the pope knowingly neglected or covered up abuse scandals, the postulator said.
Former French priest sentenced for sexual assaults
LYON, France -- A former French priest was sentenced to jail for five years for sexual assaults against Scouts.
Victims irritated by bishops’ secrecy
MONTREAL -- The Canadian bishops’ standing committee for the Responsible Ministry and Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons met for the first time in January, but the fact that the identities of the majority of its members is kept secret irritates victims, who see a lack of transparency.
Glen Argan: Spirituality does not cause moral goodness
The revelation of the grievous sexual misconduct by L’Arche founder Jean Vanier should awaken us all to the central importance of a well-founded moral conscience in the pursuit of holiness.
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, five weeks after a French appeals court overturned his conviction for failing to report clerical sexual abuse.
Real ‘spiritual direction’ has defined boundaries
That Jean Vanier preyed on women who thought of him as their spiritual director is obviously a serious case of spiritual and sexual abuse. It’s also an illustration of the difference between real spiritual direction and mumbo jumbo, said Montreal-based spiritual director Jesuit Br. Dan Leckman.
Cutting Vanier ties a daunting task
The fall from grace of Jean Vanier is leaving school boards, universities, publishers and even his beloved L’Arche organization in a bind.
Abuse rules ordered for lay movements
VATICAN CITY -- Days after revelations of sexual abuse committed by Jean Vanier, a Vatican abuse expert said organizations led by a charismatic leader who is followed uncritically and commands or demands control over members are at risk for cases of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.
Glen Argan: A lesson for us all in Vanier’s downfall
The news that Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche homes for people with mental handicaps, engaged in decades of sexual misconduct and falsely denied knowing about similar abuse by his mentor, Fr. Thomas Philippe, is shocking. Vanier was a saint in the eyes of many and also an icon for the future direction of the Church.
Vanier: The sad, awful truth
TORONTO -- For the adults with disabilities who are the core members of L’Arche, news that Jean Vanier sexually abused six women over a 35-year period hit particularly hard.
The Catholic world in Canada is reeling with the news that Jean Vanier, founder of the ecumenical L'Arche communities that provide group homes and spiritual support for people with intellectual disabilities, used his status to have "manipulative" sexual relationships with at least six women.
St. Paul University unveils centre to tackle abuse
OTTAWA -- The abuse started when Veronique Garnier was just 13 years old. She was abused by her parish priest, who was also a family friend.
New Zealand bishop resigns after abuse investigation
AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Charles Drennan of Palmerston North.
Three St. Michael’s College School students involved in the sexual assault scandal that rocked the prestigious Toronto Catholic school pleaded guilty Oct. 3 to sexual assault charges.
Study on sexual harassment in U.S. seminaries released by Notre Dame
LAS VEGAS -- The University of Notre Dame Sept. 21 released a groundbreaking report that looked at sexual harassment in U.S. Catholic seminaries, revealing that just 6% of seminarians reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or misconduct, while 90% reported none.