All but one of the state’s eight dioceses confirmed Thursday that they have received the federal subpoenas sent last week, and largely sounded willing to comply.
Sexual Abuse
Posted inFaith, News
All Illinois Catholic dioceses targeted in sex abuse lawsuit
Three men and one woman who say they were sexually abused by priests decades ago filed a lawsuit Thursday against every diocese in Illinois for an alleged ongoing scheme to cover up sexual assault by priests.
Posted inFaith, News
Response to sexual abuse crisis tops agenda for USCCB fall assembly
The firestorm surrounding the clergy sex abuse crisis and the way some bishops handled allegations of abuse against priests will be an important part of the agenda of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall general assembly.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In third letter Viganò repeats accusations but offers no new evidence on McCarrick case
In this third letter Archbishop Viganò no longer insists that the restrictions that he claimed Benedict XVI had imposed on Archbishop McCarrick can be understood as “sanctions.”
Posted inFaith, News
With Cardinal Wuerl stepping down, who’s next?
The drama surrounding Wuerl’s resignation is only partially about Wuerl himself — it’s also about who’s next. Other bishops, also facing tough questions, could now find themselves beset by calls to follow Wuerl’s example and step down.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope removes two Chilean bishops accused of sex abuse from priesthood
Just before the announcement was made, the pope met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and discussed the sexual abuse scandal affecting the Catholic Church in the country.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
What do we owe abusers? A new play asks this uncomfortable question
“Downstate” poses a number of uncomfortable questions, relevant and challenging both in light of the ongoing #MeToo movement and the church’s continued grappling with its sexual abuse scandal.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Exclusive Interview: Cardinal Wuerl on his resignation, Pope Francis’ letter and more
“What is important now is…not concentrating on myself but helping this church to get to a new place.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis accepts the resignation of Cardinal Wuerl
In a two page-letter, Pope Francis made clear not only his personal esteem for the cardinal but also that he stands by him, and the reasons for this.
Posted inFaith, News
Cardinal O’Malley asks Vatican to review reports on Buffalo sex abuse
While Cardinal O’Malley is perhaps the highest-ranking church official charged with examining how the church handles allegations of sexual abuse, he does not have jurisdiction over other bishops and the commission he leads does not investigate specific claims.