Philadelphia grand jury report on abuse gives, gets sharp criticism

Published: 2005-09-22

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) -- Sharp criticism of Philadelphia archdiocesan leaders in a grand jury report on local clergy sexual abuse of children drew an equally sharp response from the archdiocese. After a three-year investigation the grand jury issued a 423-page report Sept. 21 that said retired Philadelphia Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, his predecessor, the late Cardinal John J. Krol, and their top aides "all abdicated their duty to protect children. They concealed priests' sexual abuses instead of exposing them. ... There is no doubt that these officials engaged in a continuous, concerted campaign of cover-up over the priests' sexual offenses." In a 76-page response archdiocesan attorneys described the report as "a vile, mean-spirited diatribe against the church" and "a sensationalized, lurid and tabloidlike presentation of events that transpired years ago, which is neither fair nor accurate." Philadelphia's current archbishop, Cardinal Justin Rigali, said at a news conference that the church has "deep regrets and sorrow" over the abuse of children by priests. Outlining "extraordinary steps" taken by the archdiocese since 2002 to protect children, assist victims and remove abusive priests from ministry, Cardinal Rigali said, "In the end the grand jury affirms the actions already taken by the archdiocese to report any instances of abuse to the proper legal authorities and to safeguard young people."

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