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Widespread Allegations Across Italy
New data confirms the severity of the Italy Catholic Priest Abuse crisis. Over 4,400 people have been abused by Catholic priests. according to a report by Rete l’Abuso, Italy’s largest victims’ group. This stark figure highlights the extent of the crisis within the Italian Catholic Church. The comprehensive report aims to expose widespread abuse and support victims.
The organization says the figure includes only cases reported since 2020, highlighting a crisis that continues to haunt the global Church.
Francesco Zanardi, founder of Rete l’Abuso, stated the report relies on judicial data, media reports, and direct victim testimonies. The findings have intensified pressure on Italian bishops to confront the scandal of Catholic Church abuse Italy, a problem long shrouded in silence. While the group did not specify when the alleged abuse began, the sheer number of cases documented demands immediate action.
The Catholic Church abuse Italy report arrives just days after the Vatican’s child protection commission criticized Italy’s bishops for failing to act decisively. The Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) declined to comment on the findings.
Majority of Cases Involve Priests
According to the report, Rete l’Abuso documented 1,250 cases of suspected abuse, including 1,106 committed by priests. The rest involved nuns, religious teachers, volunteers, and youth group leaders.
The association identified 4,625 survivors, of whom 4,395 were abused by priests. Most victims were male and under the age of 18. The group also noted that five nuns, 156 vulnerable adults, and 11 people with disabilities were among those harmed.
Despite the scale of allegations, only 76 priests have faced church trials, Rete l’Abuso said. Seventeen were suspended, seven were relocated, and 18 were defrocked or resigned. Five accused priests died by suicide.
Vatican Urged to Act
New Pope Leo, who recently met with survivors, urged bishops not to conceal misconduct. His message followed an October 16 Vatican report criticizing Italy’s dioceses—only 81 out of 226 had responded to a safeguarding questionnaire.
Advocates say this lack of accountability fuels ongoing harm. “Nobody wants this to happen to their child,” said one survivor’s relative, echoing widespread frustration over the Church’s limited reforms.
Support for Victims
Survivors of sexual assault in Canada can contact the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres for help. Immediate danger should be reported by calling 911.
