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Pope Faces Criticism Over Child Abuse Transparency Crisis

5/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The new pope confronts the pressing crisis of child sexual abuse within the Church. Despite earlier commitments, the Holy See has resisted civil inquiries and failed to implement mandatory reporting. Although Pope Francis lifted the pontifical secret in 2019, calls for transparency in disciplinary actions continue to go unanswered, leaving many disillusioned.

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Story summary

The new pope confronts the pressing crisis of child sexual abuse within the Church. Despite earlier commitments, the Holy See has resisted civil inquiries and failed to implement mandatory reporting. Although Pope Francis lifted the pontifical secret in 2019, calls for transparency in disciplinary actions continue to go unanswered, leaving many disillusioned.