If tried and found guilty, the penalties can vary depending on the seriousness of the crime and, often, the age of the accused; possible penalties include removal from office, restricted ministry, “a life of prayer and penance” without any public ministry and dismissal from the clerical state.
Australia
Posted inDispatches, Faith
‘We dare not fail’: Australia’s top bishop on the church’s sex abuse crisis
After the Vatican’s historic summit on the sexual abuse of children, Archbishop Mark Coleridge says “the mission of the church” is at stake.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican: Cardinal Pell news is ‘painful’ and he has right to defend himself to the end
The Vatican said the conviction is “a painful news that, we are well aware, has shocked very many persons, not only in Australia.” At the same time, “it reaffirmed maximum respect for the Australian judicial authorities.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Cardinal Pell, most senior Catholic charged with child sex abuse, convicted
He faces a potential maximum 50-year prison term after a sentencing hearing that begins on Wednesday.
Posted inFaith, Jesuitical
Live from Australia: How young Catholics are changing the church
We look at the Synod’s final document and talk about what still needs to be done to have young people lead in the Catholic Church.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Cardinal Pell, top advisor to Pope Francis, found guilty of ‘historical sexual offenses’
The cardinal is the most senior churchman yet to be convicted of historical sexual offenses. His conviction is a grave blow not only to the church in Australia but also to Pope Francis.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Australian bishop: respect for women is a top concern at Synod
“We have a picture of what the goal looks like—the dignity of women, women feeling appreciated, their gifts being used—but how do you get there?”
Posted inFaith, Interviews
Australian bishop who was victim of sex abuse speaks on U.S. church’s crisis
Australia’s Bishop Long Van Nguyen on how the church can heal during the sexual abuse crisis.
Posted inPodcasts, Politics & Society
What nuns and ‘nones’ can learn from one another
Our September 5 guest is Kaya Oakes, a contributing writer for America, who teaches writing at the University of California, Berkeley, and is the author of The Nones Are Alright. We discuss her recent article “What can nuns and ‘nones’ learn from one another?” We also discuss these stories: Prison strike seeks to defend humanity of U.S. […]
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis accepts resignation of archbishop facing prison time for failure to report sex abuse
Archbishop Wilson of Adelaide is the highest-ranking Catholic bishop to be convicted and sentenced for failure to report a case of abuse.