News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Catholic church portugal picbanner.JPG
Reuters
Catholic church portugal pic.JPG
Reuters
World News

Thousands abused by members of Portugal's Catholic Church in past 70 years, report finds

by Reuters Journalist

At least 4,815 children were sexually abused by members of the Portuguese Catholic Church - mostly priests - over the past 70 years, a commission investigating the issue said in its final report on Monday (February 13).

Most of the perpetrators - 77% - were priests and most of the victims were men, head of the commission, child psychiatrist Pedro Strecht said, adding that they were abused in Catholic schools, priests' homes, confessionals, among other locations.

Jose Ornelas, head of the Bishops' Conference, attended the final report's presentation and will react to it later on Monday. The Church has previously said it was prepared to "take appropriate measures."

The Portuguese commission started its work in January last year after a report in France revealed around 3,000 priests and religious officials sexually abused over 200,000 children.

The abuse allegations have come from people from various backgrounds, from every region of the country and also from Portuguese nationals living in other countries in Europe, Africa and the Americas.

The majority of the sexual abuses took place when the children were aged 10-14, with the youngest victim being just two-years-old.

The commission, which says it is independent, was financed by the Catholic Church. Asked by Reuters in December 2021 if that could be a threat to the commission's independence, Strecht said he would be the first to walk out and denounce if the church intervened in the process.

The Portuguese commission started its work in January 2022 after a report in France revealed around 3,000 priests and religious officials sexually abused over 200,000 children.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate