Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Alleged Abuse Victims Can Sue the Vatican

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2008 5:32 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Alleged victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests can move ahead with a lawsuit against the Vatican, the Wall Street Journal reports. A federal appeals court in Cincinnati ruled that the Vatican can be held liable for negligence in the thousands of such cases reported in the US. A Vatican spokesman said it will probably not appeal to the Supreme Court.

It's possible, however, that the Vatican—recognized as a sovereign state—will argue that it has immunity from civil trials, the Journal notes. The court ruled that the church government is liable for actions taken by US bishops who were following church policy. The bishops allegedly tried to hush up the problem and failed to report cases. Catholic dioceses have paid out $1.5 billion in damages, but this decision could open up the Vatican's coffers as well.

Pope's Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayers overlooking St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008.
Pope's Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayers overlooking St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers a blessing at the Vatican Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers a blessing at the Vatican Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing from his popemobile as he arrives at St. Peter's square at the Vatican Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing from his popemobile as he arrives at St. Peter's square at the Vatican Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Citoi)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Dec 1, 2008 1:52 AM CST
Well, if the Vatican is its own Country, then Catholic Churches should be paying taxes, don't you think? If it is a church, then the victims should be able to sue. If the Vatican is its own COUNTRY, then they should be paying taxes on all of the properties that they own. Pretty simple, really.
justme
Nov 25, 2008 7:34 PM CST
Good luck suing a foreign country for the actions of a third, or even fourth party

Pope Benedict has criticized bishops' response
BBC

More than 10,000 people have alleged abuse
Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.)

 
Pope Benedict XVI • Vatican • sexual abuse • priest sex abuse • Catholic

More Newser Stories

Activists: Vatican Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

As Abuse Scandal Spread, Benedict's Office Stalled

Pope Hailed as 'Unfailing' Leader at Easter Mass

Irish Bishop Quits Over Child Sex Scandal

Vatican Releases Sex Abuse Files
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne