The International Union of Superiors General has called on women religious who have suffered abuse to come forward and report it to their congregations and church and state authorities.
International News
Catholic Migrant Advocates Have Mixed Reaction to Tijuana Border Events
The chaotic scene in Tijuana Nov. 25 — when migrants, including women and children, were repelled from the U.S. border with tear gas — prompted the closure of one of the world’s busiest border crossings. It also showed the increasing impatience and despair of thousands of caravan participants, who could spend months in an uncomfortable camp as they wait to present asylum claims to U.S. officials.
Survivor Warns Pope’s Abuse Summit May be His ‘Last Chance’
A clerical sexual abuse survivor calls a summit on child protection that will take place at the Vatican Feb. 21-24, involving presidents of all bishops’ conferences around the world as well as the pope’s own top aides, a “last chance” for the Vatican to be taken seriously.
Cardinal Cupich Calls February Abuse Summit Start of a ‘Worldwide Reform’
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, named Friday by Pope Francis to the planning committee for February’s high-stakes Vatican meeting on sex abuse, says the pope is seeking the “full involvement of the global Church in assuring the protection of children.”
Tokyo Archbishop: Human Development Is God’s Delight
The Catholic Church – both as a community of believers and the institution at large – faces many challenges in the world today. And in Asia, where there are serious threats in terms of nuclear weapons, and natural disasters, the Church has a big role to play. Tokyo Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, S.V.D., spoke about many of these challenges in an interview with The Tablet.
Pope Says Helping the Poor Is Not a Papal Fad, But a Duty
As the rich get richer, the increasing misery and cries of the poor are ignored every day, Pope Francis said.
‘Homeless Jesus’ Sculpture Finds Home Outside Rio de Janeiro’s Cathedral
Cardinal Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro blessed the sculpture “Homeless Jesus” Nov. 18, ending a weeklong series of events by Brazil’s Catholic Church to celebrate World Day of the Poor.
Court Rules Archbishop Viganò Must Repay $2 Million to His Brother
Last month Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a former papal ambassador who in recent months gained global fame for publishing a statement asking Pope Francis to resign, lost a civil lawsuit against his brother over a family estate.
Italian Church to Create National Anti-Abuse Center
Italian bishops have concluded their Nov. 12-14 extraordinary assembly. New guidelines on the question of clerical sexual abuse were discussed and presented, with the creation of a National Advisory Center to aid bishops and the promise to make a “more radical evangelical choice” in terms of prevention.
Jesuit Priest and Teacher Killed in South Sudan
A Jesuit priest from Kenya was reported killed in central South Sudan. Father Victor Luke Odhiambo, 62, who directed a Church-run training center for teachers, died Nov. 14 when armed men stormed a church compound where he lived.