18/08/15 20:17:13.56 l8+aWejH0.net BE:323057825-PLT(12000)
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The abuse of more than 1,000 children for decades by hundreds of priests was systemically covered up by church officials, , according to a report.
It says the real number of victims in Pennsylvania may be very much higher because records have been lost and some of those abused may be afraid to come forward.
The report claims more than 300 clergy were involved in the abuse, but only two have been charged, including one who has pleaded guilty.
The grand jury report says the current archbishop of Washington was involved in the cover-up.
In most cases the statute of limitations has expired, meaning charges cannot be brought. Some of the alleged abusers have since died, retired or have been dismissed from the priesthood.
The assaults are said to have ranged from groping to rape, with most, but not all of the victims, boys.
In one case a boy was made to pose naked as if being crucified and then was photographed by a group of priests who produced and shared child pornography on church grounds.
"We are sick over all the crimes that will go unpunished and uncompensated," the grand jury said.
At a news conference Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said church officials often dismissed or ignored allegations of abuse.
He said: "Church officials routinely and purposefully described the abuse as horseplay and wrestling and inappropriate conduct. It was none of those things. It was child sexual abuse, including rape."
He went on: "Priests were raping little boys and girls, and the men of God who were responsible for them not only did nothing. They hid it all."
Child abuse including rape by hundreds of priests in Pennsylvania was covered up
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