The Vatican had said Jan. 30 that Pope Francis’ decision to send Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta to investigate was prompted by “recently received information” in the case of Bishop Juan Barros, who was named bishop of Osorno, Chile, in 2015.
Letter in case of Chilean bishop raises new questions
Don’t compromise on protecting minors from abuse, pope says
Pope Francis said he told the bishops and priests of Chile to be uncompromising when it comes to protecting minors from sexual abuse and to trust that God will purify and renew his church during this time of trial.
Pope pledges church commitment to fight child abuse online, offline
Pope Francis welcomed to the Vatican participants from an international congress designed to get faith communities, police, software and social media industries, mass media, nonprofits and governments working together to better protect minors.
Australian archbishops to ask Vatican for clarity on confession issues
Australia’s five archbishops asked the Vatican about concerns raised whether the seal of confession includes only the sins confessed, not other information revealed in confession, and under what circumstances — specifically concerning an abuser — a priest could withhold absolution.