BRUSSELS, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Roman Catholic clergy in Belgium have been reported in nearly every diocese investigated, an official said.
Most of the alleged 475 victims found were boys under 15, though scores of girls also were allegedly abused, and at least 13 victims committed suicide, Radio France International reported Friday. Church investigator Peter Ariaenssens said the probe turned up 320 alleged perpetrators, mostly priests but also including religion teachers and adults working with youths, RFI said. The abuse allegations spanned from the 1950s to the late 1980s.
Adriaenssens said it didn't appear there was a systematic coverup, the BBC reported.
Adriaenssens said bishops' views of the issue evolved after the investigation and they didn't seem to realize the implications of their actions.
In April, Bruges Bishop Roger Vangheluwe resigned, admitting to have sexually abused a boy before and after becoming a bishop.
Adriaenssens deactivated his commission after his files were seized by police investigating sexual abuse by the clergy, the BBC reported. He said prosecutors were using it as "bait."
A Belgian appeals court Thursday said the police raids had been illegal and prosecutors couldn't use documents seized.
The Belgian Catholic Church said it would announce Monday how its investigations may be continued.
