Vatican orders US bishops to delay sex abuse reforms

being held through today.

Australian PM issues formal apology to victims of child sex abuse

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a formal apology to the country’s victims of child sex abuse, saying the nation must acknowledge their long and painful journey, and say sorry.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, said the Vatican’s decision aimed to make sure that “our decisions can be informed by listening to our brother bishops from around the world”.

But he also called for an interim, informal vote ahead of next year’s gathering.

“It is clear that the Holy See recognises the urgency of this issue, and is placing great importance on the February meeting, understanding that the present crisis is not limited to one or a few countries, but that it is a watershed moment for the universal Church.”

After virulent criticism of its handling of cases of sexual abuse by priests, the US bishops’ conference had announced in October several key measures that were to be put to a vote.

American clergy leaders proposed a new code of conduct, alert mechanism and investigative committee led by people who do not belong to the American Catholic Church.

In August, a grand jury report revealed credible child sex abuse allegations against more than 300 priests in Pennsylvania for crimes on at least 1 000 children. The report described a Church hierarchy that often actively seeks to cover up cases of sexual abuse and protect the aggressors.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, who was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006, was repeatedly cited