Pope blasts US bishops on sex abuse crisis, saying church's credibility has been 'undercut'

Pope Francis bluntly criticized Catholic bishops in the US for their approach to the church's sexual abuse crisis, saying in a letter Thursday that it has undermined the church's credibility and led to increased distrust among lay Catholics.

"The church's credibility has been seriously undercut and diminished by these sins and crimes, but even more by the efforts made to deny or conceal them," the Pope said.

Francis also said the bishops' disunity and finger-pointing has led to mistrust and pain among the church's followers.

Instead, the Pope urged the bishops to "abandon a modus operandi of disparaging, discrediting, playing the victim or the scold. read more »

Catholic cardinal says any new NY law for abuse victims should avoid 'breaking' the church

With the New York state Legislature expected to take up a bill that could enable more victims of sex abuse by priests to sue, Cardinal Timothy Dolan is calling for a measure that avoids "breaking" the Roman Catholic Church.

Dolan’s words came as the church is faced with the likelihood that the state Senate, now in Democratic hands, could join with the state Assembly and governor to pass a Child Victims Act that would do away with statutes of limitations that have prevented some alleged abuse victims from suing the church.

Right now, alleged survivors of abuse cannot file a claim if they are over 23 under New York’s existing statute of limitations, which is among the most restrictive in the country.

The bill also includes a one-year “look-back window” that would allow alleged victims who weren't able to sue in the past to file claims. read more »

Sanders allies contrite and defiant amid harassment allegations

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his chief lieutenants are offering contrition and defiance as they face allegations of sexual harassment that plagued his last presidential campaign and now threaten to derail a second White House bid before it begins.

Hours after a New York Times report detailed allegations of unwanted sexual advances and pay inequity on his first campaign, Sanders apologized late Wednesday "to any woman who felt that she was not treated appropriately." read more »