Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Pennsylvania

US opens national investigation into alleged abuse carried out by more than 300 suspected priests

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has confirmed that it will ‘cooperate’ with the federal investigation.

Clergy Abuse-Pennsylvania Legislature Attorney General Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania speaks at a news conference in the state Capitol on Wednesday Marc Levy / PA Images Marc Levy / PA Images / PA Images

THE US HAS for the first time opened a federal investigation into abuse committed by Catholic clergy, issuing a subpoena to dioceses in Pennsylvania two months after the publication of a report on decades of sexual abuse in the state.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has confirmed on its website that it had “received a subpoena issued by a federal grand jury, which requires the production of certain documents”.

“The archdiocese will cooperate with the United States Department of Justice in this matter,” it said.

The Diocese of Greensburg, in western Pennsylvania, also confirmed that it has been subpoenaed, something that was “no surprise considering the horrific misconduct detailed in the statewide grand jury report”.

“Survivors, parishioners and the public want to see proof that every diocese has taken sweeping, decisive and impactful action to make children safer,” it said.

Six other dioceses in the state could not immediately be reached for comment, but US media reported that five confirmed they had also received federal subpoenas and were ready to cooperate with investigators.

The federal prosecutor’s office in Philadelphia, which is in charge of the investigation, said that “the US Department of Justice generally does not confirm, deny or otherwise comment on the existence or non-existence of an investigation”.

The investigation comes after the release of a sweeping US grand jury report in August that revealed credible allegations against more than 300 suspected predator priests and identified over 1,000 victims of child sex abuse covered up for decades by the Catholic Church in the state of Pennsylvania.

The report is thought to be the most comprehensive to date into abuse in the US church.

© – AFP, 2018

Your Voice
Readers Comments
66
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel