The Vatican on Thursday said the systematic coverup of sexual abuse at several Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania is « criminally and morally reprehensible. »
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. »
