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New Pope Faces Child Abuse Reporting Dilemma

5/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Catholic Church is in turmoil as a new Washington law requires clergy to report child abuse confessions, putting them at risk of excommunication. In a historic turn, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Survivor groups are urging him to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for clergy abuse, highlighting his previous inaction on serious allegations.

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Story summary

The Catholic Church is in turmoil as a new Washington law requires clergy to report child abuse confessions, putting them at risk of excommunication. In a historic turn, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Survivor groups are urging him to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for clergy abuse, highlighting his previous inaction on serious allegations.