U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection Releases Annual Report
July 18, 2023

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2022 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in …

Declaración sobre el Rev. Antonio Londoño, un sacerdote que sirvió en la Diócesis de St. Petersburg de 1994 a 2002
May 19, 2023

Se ha presentado una acusación de mala conducta contra una persona menor de 18 años contra el Rev. Antonio Londoño. La conducta delictiva presuntamente tuvo lugar en el 1999. El padre Londoño fue ordenado para la Diócesis de St. Petersburg en el 1994 y sirvió en cuatro parroquias de la Diócesis hasta dejar el ministerio …

Statement About Reverend Antonio Londono, a Priest who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1994-2002
May 16, 2023

An allegation of misconduct with a person under the age of 18 years has been made against Reverend Antonio Londono. The offending conduct allegedly took place in 1999. Father Londono was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1994 and served in four parishes of the Diocese until leaving active ministry permanently in 2002. …

U.S. Bishops Continue to Offer Child Protection and Safe Environment Resources to Assist Dioceses
June 21, 2022

This June marks twenty years since the U.S. bishops gathered in Dallas, Texas to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. At their 2002 meeting, the bishops drafted and passed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph, chairman of the United States Conference …

Statement of USCCB President on Twenty Years Since Passage of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
June 10, 2022

This June marks twenty years since the Catholic bishops of the United States gathered in Dallas, Texas to draft and pass the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in their commitment to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. Marking this moment, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the …

Statement Regarding Father Patrick H. Koch, S.J., a Deceased Priest Who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Between 1994-1997
January 5, 2022

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Patrick H. Koch, S.J., a priest of the U.S.A Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). Father Koch served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 1994-1997.  He …

U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection Releases Annual Report
December 2, 2021

USCCB– The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2020 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

USCCB President Appoints New Member of National Review Board
August 2, 2021

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Dr. Julie H. Rubio to serve on the National Review Board (NRB). The NRB was established as part of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People and advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and …

Bishop Gregory Parkes to Celebrate Mass of Healing for Victims of Abuse
April 13, 2021

Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those in need of spiritual healing because of abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The community is invited to participate. The Mass will held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 …

De USCCB: Comunicado sobre el Reporte de la Santa Sede en relación con Theodore McCarrick
November 10, 2020

Reverendísimo José H. Gomez, Arzobispo de Los Ángeles, Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB):  10 de noviembre de 2020   Recibo con satisfacción el informe de la investigación de la Santa Sede sobre su conocimiento y toma de decisiones en relación con Theodore McCarrick durante su larga carrera como sacerdote, obispo y cardenal. Nosotros …

USCCB Statement on Holy See’s Report on Theodore McCarrick
November 10, 2020

The following statement is from Most Reverend José H. GomezArchbishop of Los Angeles, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).   November 10, 2020  I welcome the report of the Holy See’s investigation into its knowledge and decision-making regarding Theodore McCarrick during his long career as a priest, bishop, and cardinal. We are studying …

Compassion, Concern and Commitment – Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes Regarding the Florida Attorney General’s Report
November 6, 2020

In October 2018, the former Florida Attorney General announced an investigation of the State’s seven Catholic Dioceses to determine how allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been handled. We welcomed the State’s investigation and we cooperated fully with the process instituted to research past cases of abuse allegations, dating back prior to …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Remains in Compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
October 5, 2020

An independent firm that specializes in investigatory and analytical consulting has found that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York conducted an audit of the Diocese’s Safe Environment policies and procedures on September 8-9, 2020. Based …

Statement Regarding Father John B. Ramsay, a Deceased Priest Who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Between 1983-1984
September 8, 2020

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor by Rev. John B. Ramsay, a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, who retired from active ministry in 1977.  Following his retirement, Father Ramsay moved to Florida, where he was employed as a teacher at …

U.S. Bishops Secretariat For Child and Youth Protection Releases Annual Report
June 26, 2020

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2019 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Appoints Four New Members of National Review Board for the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People
June 15, 2020

Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection …

Church Strengthens Efforts to Protect Children and Vulnerable Populations
April 20, 2020

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Program Office, which was established in 2003, oversees a comprehensive program of child abuse prevention that is focused on background checks and training of all adults entrusted with the care, responsibility and/or supervision of minors or vulnerable adults. The office was established in compliance with the …

Nationwide Service is Launched to Report Sexual Misconduct Involving U.S. Bishops
March 30, 2020

As part of an ongoing commitment to carry out Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter (Vos estis lux mundi) to address the issue of sexual abuse throughout the Catholic Church, the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established in March 2020 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org in order to …

Suzanne Healy Named Chair of U.S. Bishops’ National Review Board
January 31, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Mrs. Suzanne Healy, the former Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB). Mrs. Healy succeeds Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., who concludes his term …

National Child and Youth Protection Leader Affirms Diocese of St. Petersburg
August 14, 2019

During the week of July 8, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg welcomed a visit from Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, based in Washington D.C. The purpose of the visit was for Deacon Nojadera to learn how the Diocese of St. …

Pope Francis Establishes New Rules for the Whole Church To Strengthen Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
July 9, 2019

Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build …

New Website Highlights Steps to Confronting Clergy Sex Abuse
July 9, 2019

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a new website to share information on prevention, protection and accountability relating to the clergy sex abuse crisis. “The purpose of this website is to serve as a source of information and provide resources regarding the safety of children and vulnerable persons, victim assistance, and frequently …

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Release 2018 Annual Report On The Protection Of Children And Young People
June 3, 2019

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Release 2018 Annual Report On The Protection Of Children And Young People
June 3, 2019

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Ordering Worldwide Response to the Evil of Sexual Abuse
May 9, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …

Pope Francis Establishes New Rules for the Whole Church To Strengthen Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
May 9, 2019

Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux  Mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build upon the …

Statement Regarding Father George B. Dyer, O.P., a Deceased Priest Who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Between 1980-1981
April 1, 2019

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has learned that George B. Dyer, O.P., has been listed in a recent report released by Jeff Anderson & Associates, P.A., as a priest against whom an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in the State of Illinois has been deemed credible. Father Dyer was ordained in 1961 …

Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes on the “Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church”
February 25, 2019

“The historic Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church enabled the global leadership of the Catholic Church to clearly hear the voices of victims of sexual abuse. Those voices will forever influence our decisions so that no one will again feel the pain of being abused and the additional wounds of being abandoned or …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement at Close of Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church
February 25, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement on the final day of a four-day meeting attended by Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences from across the globe.   Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The Lord is near to all who call …

Protection of Minors: Press Briefing Announces Concrete Initiatives
February 25, 2019

The “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting concludes with a Press Briefing in the Vatican and the announcement of concrete commitments and initiatives to protect children and to combat abuse. By Vatican News There have been four Press Conferences, coinciding with the four days of the Meeting. Each one has provided a synthesis of the …

World Meeting for the Protection of Minors Ends with Pope Francis Appealing for an “All-Out Battle against the Abuse of Minors,
February 25, 2019

In a major address on Sunday, Pope Francis contextualizes the “scourge” of abuse, and appeals for an “all-out battle against the abuse of minors, both sexually and in other areas.” By Vatican News “The time has come, then, to work together to eradicate the evil” of child abuse, Pope Francis said, in a speech delivered …

“Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting in the Vatican to be held February 21-24, 2019
February 20, 2019

A Press Conference at the Holy See Press Office presents the “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting, which will take place in the Vatican, between 21 and 24 February 2019. By Barbara Castelli Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna is Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a member of the …

Holy See: McCarrick dismissed from the clerical state for abuse
February 20, 2019

The Holy See announces sanctions against former American Cardinal, Theodore Edgar McCarrick, including dismissal from the clerical state. By Vatican News The Holy Press Office has published a statement from the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, concerning the case of Theodore Edgar McCarrick. The Congresso of the CDF, which investigated the accusations, …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement on Theodore McCarrick in Response to Judgement by the Holy See
February 19, 2019

February 16, 2019 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding Theodore McCarrick. Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows: “The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse …

Statement Regarding Father Roman Gromala, a Deceased Priest Who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Between 1958-1991
February 15, 2019

On February 11, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg received notice that Father Roman Gromala has been listed by the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut as a priest with a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor.  Before relocating to Florida, Father Gromala was ordained in 1950 and served in the Diocese of Norwich …

Statement Regarding Jesuit Priests Who Have Been Credibly Accused of Abusing Minors
December 12, 2018

On December 7, 2018, the U.S. Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) released a list of names of Jesuits with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. They announced that no Jesuit with a credible accusation currently serves in public ministry. Of those Jesuits listed in the report from the …

National Review Board Urges Need to Broaden the Scope of the Charter to Include Bishops; Lay Panel Urges Reform to Improve Transparency and Enhance Accountability
November 15, 2018

On Tuesday, November 13, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ independent lay advisory panel on the protection of children and young people delivered a special report to the body of U.S. bishops regarding the abuse crisis in the Church. In an address to the bishops who have gathered in Baltimore for the …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Expresses Regret to Victim Survivors
November 15, 2018

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the body of bishops at the opening sessions in Baltimore for the General Assembly taking place in Baltimore. Cardinal DiNardo’s full address follows: “Saint Augustine wrote, ‘In order that weakness might become strong, strength became weak.’ My dear brothers, …

U.S. Bishops To Meet Nov. 12-14 in Baltimore; Will Address Abuse Crisis and Action Items; Assembly to be Live Streamed, Live Tweeted, Carried Via Satellite
November 8, 2018

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 12-14. The assembly will begin with an address by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre.  The body of bishops will then adjourn to an on-site chapel for a full day of spiritual discernment and prayer.  This …

Letter From Bishop Gregory Parkes Regarding the Florida Attorney General’s Investigation of Institutional Sex Abuse
October 4, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today, as a result of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, the Florida Attorney General announced an investigation into how the Catholic dioceses of Florida have handled allegations of sexual abuse of minors in the past. I welcome this investigation and want to assure the public that the Diocese of …

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee Statement on Sex Abuse Scandals; Committee Releases Actions to be Taken Within Its Authority
September 20, 2018

September 19, 2018 WASHINGTON–The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us …

Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Archbishop Lori Instructed to Conduct Investigation into Allegations of Sexual Harassment of Adults
September 13, 2018

September 13, 2018 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia.  Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop William E. Lori as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He will remain Archbishop of Baltimore. The Holy Father has additionally instructed Archbishop Lori to …

Bishop Parkes Records Podcast Regarding Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis
September 12, 2018

New Episode of “A View from the Top” is Available In his regular podcast about current events, Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks about the ongoing crisis of clergy abuse, how our faith can help us through these struggles, the importance of prayer during this time, the diocesan listening sessions on racism, and St. Peter Claver Church’s …

Statement from the National Review Board Calls for Lay Leadership Amid Sexual Abuse Crisis
August 28, 2018

WASHINGTON—The National Review Board (NRB) has issued the following in response to the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report and recent allegations against Archbishop McCarrick.  In the statement, the NRB calls for a lay-lead investigation into all allegations of sexual misconduct within the Church as well as strengthening  the Charter for the Protection of …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment for Greater Effectiveness and Transparency in Disciplining Bishops
August 27, 2018

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …