Catholic clergy sexually abused nearly 1,000 Massachusetts children over decades, report finds
Summary
A report from Massachusetts’ attorney general found that over 270 Catholic priests abused nearly 1,000 children in three church areas over many years. The report said church leaders often knew about the abuse but did not stop it, mostly before 2002. Few new criminal charges were made due to legal time limits.Key Facts
- The investigation lasted eight years and covered the Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester dioceses.
- Abuse mostly happened before 2002.
- Some cases were not charged because they were not crimes at the time or the legal deadline for charging had passed.
- Three cases were sent to local prosecutors, with one leading to criminal charges.
- Church leaders in all three dioceses were aware of abuse but did not act effectively to stop it.
- The report is the first public examination of failures in these dioceses.
- The diocese of Worcester responded by saying they will review the report but did not issue a new apology.
- Many accused priests are now deceased.
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