The sentencing came a day after the Pennsylvania attorney general issued a report saying two former bishops in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese covered up, or were slow to respond to, child-sex abuse by more than 50 priests over more than 40 years.
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Report: Priests abused hundreds of kids in Altoona-Johnstown Diocese
At least 50 priests or religious leaders were involved in the abuse and diocesan leaders systematically concealed the abuse to protect the church’s image, according to a grand jury report released on March 1.
Pope tells corrupt benefactors that church doesn’t need ‘dirty money’
Francis: Just as God derives no pleasure from “the blood of bulls and lambs” slaughtered in his name, he is especially averse to offerings from hands dirty with the blood of another human being.
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in challenge to Texas abortion restrictions
The 90 minutes of oral arguments March 2 was before a court left with eight members following the Feb. 13 death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who regularly voted to uphold abortion limitations and was expected to have provided the fifth vote in this case to uphold the requirements.
Vatican newspaper essays say women should preach at Mass
“Certainly for faithful lay people in general, but above all for women, this would constitute a fundamental change in their participation in church life.”
Pope calls for ‘harmonized response’ to migrant crisis in Greece
Noting the generosity of countries like Greece, Pope Francis called on European Union member states to “focus decisively and unreservedly on negotiations” to assist nations receiving refugees.
Migration crisis worsens: Migrants face razor wire, tear gas
In a chaotic scene, Syrian and Iraqi refugees forced their way through part of a Macedonian border fence, some clutching infants or struggling to free duffel bags caught in the razor-wire fence. They were met by Macedonian riot police.
Pakistan hangs ex-governor’s killer, sparking tensions
The execution triggered protests in several cities denouncing the hanging after some religious and political leaders, as well as militant groups, publicly defended the killer.
Spotlight is not anti-Catholic, Vatican newspaper says
The paper said it was also a “positive sign” when Michael Sugar, the movie’s producer, said he hoped the film would “resonate all the way to the Vatican.”
Iranian moderates win majority in parliament, clerical body
Final results released show that reformists, who favor expanded social freedoms and engagement with the West, and other backers of President Hassan Rouhani, won at least 85 seats.
