Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal

In the late 20th century, and especially at the turn of the 21st, the Catholic Church in several countries was confronted with a series of allegations concerning sexual abuse of children under the legal age of consent ¹ by Catholic clergy and religious.

Related Topics:
20th century - Catholic Church - Sexual abuse of children - Age of consent - ¹ - Clergy - Religious

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The controversy was at its most famous when it hit the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, several countries, including Canada, had already faced similar controversies with high-profile cases such as the Mount Cashel Orphanage scandal in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Duplessis Orphans in the province of Quebec.

Related Topics:
United States - 1990s - 2000s - Canada - Mount Cashel Orphanage - Newfoundland and Labrador - Duplessis Orphans - Quebec

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Well-publicized charges that some members of the Church in certain instances deliberately covered up such crimes have fueled criticism of the institution and its leadership. While not every allegation stood up to scrutiny, some did, resulting in apologies and restitution by the Church and the criminal prosecution of those who engaged in the acts. It should be noted that the Roman Catholic Church doctrine has long considered the sexual abuse of children as mortally sinful.

Related Topics:
Covered up - Mortally sinful

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