David Clohessy
ANALYSIS: Philadelphia abuse reversal conveys a painful lesson
By David Gibson — December 27, 2013
(RNS) This week’s court decision that freed a senior cleric in Philadelphia who had been jailed for shielding an abusive priest was a symbolic setback for victims’ advocates but one with a substantial, and discouraging, message for their cause: None of the churchmen implicated in cover-ups during the worst decades of abuse will likely ever face charges.
International Criminal Court dismisses abuse claims against the Vatican
By Alessandro Speciale — June 14, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Advocates for survivors of clergy sex abuse vow to continue their fight after the International Criminal Court dismissed their case against retired Pope Benedict XVI.
Embattled Newark archbishop demotes his top deputy
By Mark Mueller — May 28, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) Monsignor John Doran is among the highest-ranking Roman Catholic officials in the country to be demoted over the handling of a priest accused of sexual abuse, observers say.
Pope Francis: Church must act decisively on sex abuse
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 5, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis called on the various national bishops' conferences around the world to step up to disciplining priests and serving abuse victims, a possible indication that he will move from a strongly centralized church government to one that places increased authority locally.
U.N. faults U.S. for failure to prosecute abusive clerics
By Caleb K. Bell — February 20, 2013
The U.S. is failing to pursue and prosecute clergy guilty of child sexual abuse, according to a recent United Nations committee report.
Pope Benedict XVI leaves mixed legacy on clergy sexual abuse
By Emma Beck — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has at times publicly addressed the issue and even met with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But victims' advocates remain skeptical and critical over his handling of the matter, particularly the failure to punish bishops who protected abusers.
Pastor who pushes corporal punishment accused of abuse
By Bob Smietana — January 16, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) A pastor known for promoting corporal punishment has been accused of physically abusing a woman for 25 years, beginning during her childhood. By Bob Smietana / USA Today.
Convicted bishop is Catholic hierarchy’s elephant in the room
By David Gibson — November 8, 2012
(RNS) As the nation's Catholic bishops gather in Baltimore next week, they will be facing questions about how they will cope with the re-election of President Obama. But also looming is the question of how they will deal with Bishop Robert Finn of Missouri, who in September became the first bishop found guilty of covering up for a priest suspected of child abuse.
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