An American Catholic priest removed from ministry in Guam over historic sex abuse allegations in California has left the Pacific territory. Fr John Howard Wadeson left Guam last week saying he had been falsely accused. The priest said he decided to leave because he didn’t want false accusations against him to tarnish Archbishop Anthony Apuron. Read more
An Italian cardinal has defended national guidelines exempting Italian bishops from having to report claims of abuse by clergy to police. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Italian bishops’ conference, said Italian law does not require it and victims may not want it. The guidelines, published in revised form in late March, were called for Read more
The director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, has admitted the organisation has published false information and is unsure whether the group employs licensed counselors. David Clohessy was answering questions in court, amid accusation the group had printed restricted information in a press release. Asked by lawyers, “Has SNAP to your knowledge Read more
A group representing victims of sexual abuse has lodged a formal declaration with the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing Pope Benedict and three Vatican officials of crimes against humanity. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) allege that Vatican officials tolerated and enabled the systematic and widespread concealing of rape and child sex crimes. “If the Read more