Portuguese bishops apologize over sexual abuse in Catholic Church
MADRID (AA) – Portuguese Bishops have ‘apologized’ to victims of sexual abuse in Portugal’s Catholic Church.
The bishops met in the sacred town of Fatima at a plenary meeting of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP).
The CEP released a statement after the meeting, apologizing to victims across the country.
The move came after an independent committee’s announcement last month revealed at least 4,815 children had been sexually abused by Catholic clergy in Portugal since 1950.
After 512 people came forward with testimonies. The coordinator of the investigation, Pedro Strecht, said it was an “absolute minimum” number of victims.
The investigation also showed that 96% of abusers were men and 77% were priests.
The Catholic church has very often come under fire for scandals of sexual abuse — especially targeting children and minors — which are often brushed under the carpet by the highest clergy.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
