Sections
Log in
Top News
U.S. News World News Featured Voices
Odd News
Entertainment
Movies Music TV
Sports
Soccer NFL NBA MLB NHL Golf Horse Racing Tennis Col. Football Col. Basketball
Photos
News Entertainment Sports Features Archives
More...
Defense Featured Science Health Archive Almanac
About Feedback
About Feedback
Search
Trending
'El Chapo'
Jussie Smollett
Plastic pollution
Trampoline break
Lottery
Syria troops
Jeffrey Epstein
Michael Cohen
Terror plot
Measles
Doorbell cam
World News
Aug. 16, 2018 / 6:13 PM

Vatican condemns 'predator priests' in Penn. grand jury report

By
Daniel Uria
The Vatican responded to a Pennsylvania grand jury's report that six Catholic dioceses throughout the state covered up abuse by hundreds of "predator priests" by condemning their behavior as "criminal and morally reprehensible." Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Vatican on Thursday said the systematic coverup of sexual abuse at several Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania is "criminally and morally reprehensible."

The director of the Vatican's Press Office, Greg Burke, issued a statement saying the Catholic Church takes the grand jury's investigation seriously and "condemns unequivocally" the sexual abuse of minors.

"Regarding the report made public in Pennsylvania this week, there are two words that can express the feelings faced with these horrible crimes: shame and sorrow," Burke wrote.

The 900-page report, released Tuesday, detailed sexual abuse by "predator priests" in six dioceses -- Allenton, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the dioceses followed a pattern of "abuse, deny and cover up" to prey on both male and female teens and pre-pubescent children.

The Vatican noted most of the 1,000 reported abuses took place before the early 2000s, citing studies which show Catholic Church reform has "drastically reduced" the occurrence of clergy child abuse.

"The Holy See encourages continued reform and vigilance at all levels of the Catholic Church to help ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults from harm," Burke wrote.

The Vatican said Pope Francis stands by the victims and views their comfort as a priority within the church.

"The Church wants to listen to them to root out this tragic horror that destroys the lives of the innocent."

Read More

Pastor, elders at one of largest U.S. churches resign amid abuse scandal Court records: N.M. compound suspects trained children to commit school shootings USC president replaced after criticism over abuse scandal
  • Topics
  • Pope Francis
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more UPI news and photos.

Trending Stories

2 sons of 'El Chapo' indicted by U.S. on drug conspiracy charges
Police: Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged with soliciting prostitutes
R&B singer R. Kelly charged with aggravated sex abuse
Venezuelan troops open fire at border ahead of aid delivery; 2 dead
'Empire' producers cut Smollett from final 2 episodes over 'disturbing' charges

Photo Gallery

 
The 1975, Dua Lipa walk Brit Awards red carpet

Latest News

'Holmes & Watson,' Trump & Conway win Razzie Awards
Famous birthdays for Feb. 23: Daymond John, Dakota Fanning
On This Day: U.S. Marines raise flag on Iwo Jima
UPI Almanac for Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019
Kansas City Chiefs sign Sammie Coates, E.J. Manuel, two more
 
Back to Article
/
Back to top
About UPI Contact Feedback Advertisements Submit News Tips
Copyright © 2019 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy Policy