Pope Confirms Clergy Abuse of Nuns
Clergy abuse can take many forms ranging from the sexual molestation of young boys and girls to unwanted physical advances by adult parishioners. In a latest revelation by the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, clergy abuse also has occurred through the mistreatment of Catholic nuns by priests.
Acknowledgment of Past Clergy Misconduct
In discussing the mistreatment of women in the Church, Pope Francis confirmed publicly for the first time that there have been both priests and bishops who have sexually abused Catholic nuns under their supervision. Acknowledging at least one instance of sexual slavery forced on nuns by a priest in a French congregation that was disbanded earlier by Pope Benedict XVI, the Pope vowed to continue exposing manipulation and abuses of power by the clergy.
Catholic nuns have begun to share their troubling stories of clergy abuse in greater numbers. In 2017, nuns from the Kerala region of India openly protested a bishop accused of raping a fellow nun for several years. Hesitancy to report sexual abuse leads many survivor advocacy groups to believe the number of these incidents against nuns by priests is greatly underestimated.
Concealment of Abuse
This latest recognition of clergy abuse of nuns highlights the ongoing problem of concealment of these criminal actions by Church leaders. Critics point out the Church’s ongoing policy of allowing accused priests to resign without explanation is to avoid being fired or publicly reprimanded. Transparency regarding the Church’s internal investigations and disciplinary procedures has not occurred.
When Church superiors, including bishops and archbishops, cover up the abuse by priests, it strengthens a culture of secrecy surrounding clergy abuse. Holding the Church responsible for its role in covering up clergy sexual misconduct is an important part in providing justice for clergy abuse survivors.
Compensation for Survivors of Clergy Abuse
All survivors of clergy abuse, including innocent children, adult parishioners, and nuns, deserve justice. A Highland Park clergy abuse lawyer works on behalf of clergy abuse survivors to hold the Church, archbishops, cardinals, priests, and any individual covering up these abuses accountable for their actions. Clergy abuse survivors are entitled for compensation for their injuries, including the costs of their medical and psychological treatment, individual and family counseling or therapy, prescription drug expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress damages.
New Brunswick Clergy Abuse Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Protect the Rights of Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
The experienced New Brunswick clergy abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr handle all types of clergy abuse matters. Our compassion and dedication to obtaining justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse has led us to obtain the compensation our clients are entitled. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online. Based in Highland Park, New Jersey, we work with clients throughout the surrounding areas, including New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
