Document Archive
Justin Cardinal Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Archdiocese Aggressively Implements Charter
17,000 Trained — New Review of Old Cases
18 December 2003
In today's edition of the archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic
Standard and Times, the Archdiocese offers additional information about
the ongoing efforts to implement the United States Bishops' Charter
for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Essential
Norms and the archdiocesan Alvaré Commission Report (Commission
on the Protection of Children and Clerical Conduct). Also reported
was the removal from priestly ministry of four archdiocesan priests.
In these four cases, it has been determined that there are credible
allegations of sexual misconduct with minors which took place many
years ago.
This decision is a necessary one for the protection of young
people and the welfare of the Church. My prayers are offered
for the victims, their families, those faith communities that
are affected and our priests. I take this occasion to offer my
deep apologies on behalf of the Church to all victims of child
sexual abuse. The Archdiocese remains committed to its long-
standing efforts to reach out and provide pastoral care to victims.
I recognize how deeply painful these matters are to the faithful.
I reaffirm that the Archdiocese is doing and will continue to
do all in its power to ensure the protection of our children
and young people. The efforts, taken over the years particularly
under Cardinal Bevilacqua as well as those going on now, represent
the intense desire of the Archdiocese to respond pastorally and
compassionately to victims of abuse and their families, to ensure
a safe environment for our children and youth, as well as to
respect the rights of all parties.
I express my deepest gratitude to all the faithful priests who
serve their people selflessly in the work of the Gospel. I appreciate
fully how deeply they and their ministry are affected by such
announcements concerning brother priests. In this season of Advent
with its hope-filled call to repentance and renewal, let us welcome
anew the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.