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Church Sex Abuse: Should the Pope Pay?

In US cases, a move to hold the Vatican accountable

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Jul 19, 2007 1:59 PM CDT

(Newser) – Two court cases involving abusive priests in Oregon and Kentucky have raised the possibility that the Vatican may be forced to pay damages to victims and allow its top officials to testify at US trials. Until now, the Holy See has been considered outside US jurisdiction, but lawyers argue that abusive priests should be seen as employees of the Vatican, Time reports.

Typically, a local archdiocese will accept responsibility in abuse cases and make the payout. That's what happened in the Los Angeles case settled last week for a record $660 million. But many say the Vatican should shoulder some responsibility for the way clergy are trained and the air of secrecy that often lets perpetrators go unpunished for long periods.

In this photo made available by Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano Tuesday July 17, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI prays in the little Santa Barbara church in Danta di Cadore village, near Belluno, Italy,... (Associated Press)

In this photo made available by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano Tuesday July 17, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI looks at the little Santa Barbara church in Danta di Cadore village, near Belluno,... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI looks at the cross during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Friday, June 29, 2007, in which he bestowed the pallium, or a wool shawl, on 46 archbishops from around the... (Associated Press)

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Church Sex Abuse: Should the Pope Pay?

In US cases, a move to hold the Vatican accountable

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Pope Greeted by Protesters Upon Arrival in Germany

Four-day visit is first state visit to his homeland

Activists: Vatican Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

Pope, 3 officials named as responsible for rampant sex abuse

Vatican Releases Sex Abuse Files

Holy See denies accusations of cover-up of abusive priest in 1960s

Pope's Coffin Will Be Exhumed for Beatification

Faithful will be able to pray before it at John Paul's May ceremony

Pope Names 24 New Cardinals

... Who will elect his successor

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In US cases, a move to hold the Vatican accountable

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Vatican • sexual abuse • Catholicism

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Pope Greeted by Protesters Upon Arrival in Germany

Four-day visit is first state visit to his homeland

Activists: Vatican Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

Pope, 3 officials named as responsible for rampant sex abuse

Vatican Releases Sex Abuse Files

Holy See denies accusations of cover-up of abusive priest in 1960s

Pope's Coffin Will Be Exhumed for Beatification

Faithful will be able to pray before it at John Paul's May ceremony

Pope Names 24 New Cardinals

... Who will elect his successor

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?