Pope Francis abolished the use of the Vatican’s highest level of secrecy in clergy sexual abuse cases, responding to mounting criticism that the rule of “pontifical secrecy” has been used to protect pedophiles, silence victims and prevent police from investigating ...

Tagged with: Catholic abuse cases clergy sex abuse pontifical secrecy pope francis Vatican

A former priest has sued the Archdiocese of St. Louis, alleging it libeled and slandered him by including him on a list of clerics credibly accused of abusing children. Michael Toohey, 77, of Creve Coeur, claims in the lawsuit filed ...

Tagged with: Archdiocese of St. Louis clergy sex abuse Creve Coeur Michael Toohey priest

Under intense public pressure, the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops approved new steps this week to deal more strongly with the clergy sex-abuse crisis. But activists and others say the moves leave the bishops in charge of policing themselves and potentially ...

Tagged with: Abuse Bishops clergy sex abuse Roman Catholic