VATICAN CITY (RNS) When the Vatican’s doctrinal office informed the office that oversees religious orders about a probe of American nuns, the cardinal who heads the office was told the investigation was already completed.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The decision to continue a Vatican overhaul of U.S. nuns, while not entirely unexpected, could nonetheless bring an end to Pope Francis’ honeymoon with the many American Catholics who had viewed the crackdown on nuns as heavy-handed and unnecessary.
(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.
(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.
