More than 100 priests suspected of sexual abuse of minors are still active and in ecclesiastical functions in Portugalaccording to the head of a commission investigating the matter.
The commission, which began its work in January 2022, noted in its final report released Monday that at least 4,815 children suffered sexual abuse by members of the Portuguese Catholic Church—mostly priests—over 70 years.
Along these lines, he added that the findings were the “tip of the iceberg“, describing the 4,815 cases as the “absolute minimum” number of victims.
The most resonant cases of sexual abuse denounced against the Catholic Church
Child psychiatrist Pedro Strecht, who chaired the commission, told the SIC television channel that “there is an approximate number (of accused priests) and it is clear that it will exceed one hundred.”
The commission said it was preparing a list of accused priests still working to send to the church and the prosecution.
A report revealed almost 5,000 children who suffered sexual abuse in the Church of Portugal
Strecht argued that those on the list should be sections of their duties or at least they should prohibit interaction with children and adolescents during the investigation.
José Ornelas, president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, said that the institution I had not received the list yet. Strecht indicated that they will receive it “soon”.
“What he says Pope Francisco) (is that) child molesters cannot hold positions within the ministry as long as it is proven that the person is an molester,” Ornelas said, adding that the Church will not carry out a “witch hunt” against its members.
Strecht affirmed that the Church has a “moral and ethical duty to collaborate with the judicial authorities” in this matter.
The Portuguese bishops will meet on March 3 to study the implementation of “more effective and appropriate mechanisms” to prevent future abuses, Ornelas said.
ED
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