“A significant segment of the Catholic hierarchy has absolutely no interest in ‘draining the swamp'”, as the Vatican McCarrick Report and the “absurd theatre” in the Archdiocese of Cologne show
University of Münster professor Thomas Schüller says archbishop’s “abuse of abuse victims” is “nefarious, shameful and inexcusable”
“If you promise transparency and then fail to keep your promise, there is the suspicion of another cover-up”, laments Johannes-Wilhelm Rörig of scandal in Cologne archdiocese
Archbishop Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki allegedly ordered repercussions after Community attacks on “backward and evasive” Church attitude to debates over celibacy, women, LGBT people
Cardinal Cupich chides bishops who sided with Viganò over Pope Francis in allegations surrounding abuser former cardinal and Archbishop of Washington
Catholic Women’s Association of Germany decries that in the Church “maintaining power takes precedence over the suffering of the victims” of abuse
Youth, workers’ and women’s associations call for “courage, strength, confidence and openness” to recommit to ‘Synodal Path’ reform dialogue
Anger at sex abuse crisis casts shadow even over legacy of John Paul II, as Warsaw street sign in honour of late pope vandalised to read “Victims of John Paul II Avenue”
As a result of prelate’s failure to publish key report on negligence, “much lies in ruins and the Church has lost credibility”, laments Diocesan Council
Lay accountability group finds 30% of local Churches either not providing any information online or posting only unaudited reports
“The release of the McCarrick Report shows that bishops wield excessive power and may use it for self-interest as opposed to the good of the Church… For far too long, bishops have acted like temporal lords in their respective dioceses without proper safeguards to temper this lordship”
“Mechanisms need to be found to ensure that the whole diocesan people of God is adequately represented” in the nomination of their shepherd, insists Bishop of Basel Felix Gmür
Dresden bishop urges survivors to come forward: those who blow the whistle on abusive dynamics “do the Church an important service”
Members of German Catholic Youth Federation (BKDJ) chapter in Cologne say it is “shameful” that archbishop and vicar general “have once again destroyed the trust” of survivors
Cardinal O’Malley admits no longer enough for Church to apologise for abuse as Cardinal Cupich urges Catholics to “seize this moment” to eliminate “sin of clericalism”
Polish Bishops ask Vatican to “clarify” accusations against former Pope’s private secretary Cardinal Dziwisz as former nuncio in Paris goes on trial for alleged sex assault
Francis expresses “closeness” to survivors day after publication of bombshell Vatican dossier on abuser former cardinal and ex-Archbishop of Washington
In wake of report into predator former cardinal Archbishop of Washington, SNAP asks for “the specifics of who else knew” about crimes as it also appeals to president-elect Biden for help
Bishop of Metuchen – where predator former Archbishop of Washington served between 1981-86 – says he is “disgusted and appalled” by latest revelations
Holy See acknowledges case of abusive former Archbishop of Washington “remains an open wound” but says Church learning from “omissions, underestimations and wrong choices”
Jesuit Klaus Mertes says officials “repeating the abuse”, criticises Church attempts to censor survivors and calls for a new “truth commission” to uncover extent of negligence
“It is intolerable for us that no responsibility is taken”, denounce members of ‘Maria 2.0’ in protests at cathedral and at cardinal’s home and office
French Bishops say 320 people presented accusations against priests between September 2018 and September 2020
Frustration against new abortion ban continues to boil over as Bishops’ head blames protests on “hatred of Christianity” of “cultural Marxists”, compares plight of Catholics today with that of Jews in pre-war period
The movement ‘Promesses d’Eglise’ is setting its sights on the full recognition of the equal dignity of the baptised and more democracy in the Church, among other demands
“No matter how you look at it, this dismissal does not sound like the Gospel, but quite the opposite: exclusion, intolerance and discrimination”, they decry
Doris Wagner Reisinger says simultaneous Catholic emphasis on conscience and obedience is a “strange logical contradiction” that fosters abuse
Bishops’ liturgy commission head acknowledges “there is no such thing as a space free of power” in the Church, welcomes open discussion of Catholic exercise of authority
“You are the messenger, not the message – ultimately it is not about you”, Bishop of Mainz Peter Kohlgraf tells clerics in ordination homily