Harming a child must be ‘line in the sand’ for removal, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For the Catholic Church, there is a “line in the sand,” which can never be crossed, and that is to not allow anyone who harms or would harm a child to exercise public ministry, said Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston.
Cardinal: Can the Church step up, lead way in protecting children?
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Only together, by humbly sharing their experiences, encouragement and corrective advice, can the bishops and leaders in the Catholic Church work to prevent the abuse of minors and help bring healing to survivors, said the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
Cardinal Cupich asks for new structure to ensure bishops’ accountability
The Catholic Church needs "new legal structures of accountability" for bishops accused of sexual abuse or of negligence in handling abuse allegations, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago told the Vatican summit on safeguarding.
Vatican official urges reconsidering ‘pontifical secret’ in abuse cases
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church should re-examine how “pontifical secret” is applied in clerical sex abuse cases so there is greater transparency in the cases and it is not invoked “to hide problems,” said a canon lawyer and Vatican official.
Illinois doctor: Newman miracle depositions were ‘spiritual experiences’
CHICAGO (CNS) — When the Vatican announced Feb. 15 that Pope Francis had signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed John Henry Newman, clearing the way for his canonization, there was rejoicing in Chicago.
Church credibility ruined by silent hypocrisy, sister tells summit
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The hypocrisy of Catholic leaders who claimed to be guardians of morality yet remained silent about clerical sexual abuse has...
Lack of transparency harms church, justice, victims, says German cardinal
Transparent, reliable and respectful administration is critical for counteracting sinful behavior within the Catholic Church, said German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising.
Bishops must see press as allies, not enemies, Mexican journalist says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If they are truly serious about fighting clerical sex abuse, bishops must join forces with journalists and not view them as enemies plotting against the Catholic Church, Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki said.
Pope, bishops look at what they have done, failed to do to prevent abuse
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an opulent Vatican room designed in the 16th century for papal meetings with kings, a cardinal read, “We confess that we have shielded the guilty and have silenced those who have been harmed.”
Measures to help protect minors are imminent, summit moderator says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the four-day Vatican summit on the protection of minors has ended, the work to ensure that laws and concrete actions are in place is just beginning, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi.
