Pope abolishes 'pontifical secrecy' in clergy sexual abuse investigations

FRANCE 24

Pope Francis on Tuesday announced sweeping changes to the way the Roman Catholic Church deals with cases of sexual abuse of minors, abolishing the rule of “pontifical secrecy” that previously covered them.

Two documents issued by the pope back practices that have been in place in some countries, particularly the United States, such as reporting suspicion of sex abuse to civil authorities where required by law.

The documents, which put the practices into universal Church law, also forbid imposing an obligation of silence on those who report sex abuse or allege they have been a victim. read more »

Coaching Legends Were Accused of Abuse. Will Someone Finally Pay?

NEW YORK TIMES

Since New York lifted the statute of limitations on sexual abuse lawsuits, scores of victims have come forward.

They were the coaches who could make you or break you, demanding legends of the 1980s and 1990s who controlled a launchpad from New York City’s streets to college and the pros that catapulted future stars like Ron Artest and Kenny Anderson.

But in recent weeks, several coaches from that era, including Ernest Lorch of the Riverside Hawks, one of the city’s best club basketball teams, have been named in lawsuits against institutions with which they were affiliated, accusing them of preying upon their underage players.

The accusations are coming to light now or being revived because of new laws allowing victims to sue adults who abused them years ago. read more »