In 2002 bishops began to use the Dallas Charter for priests accused of sexual abuse of young people, which began a period of several difficult years in the Church. Keep in mind that when we say “young people,” we mean pedophilia for children when they are under 13 years of age. Youngsters older than 12-13, who have not reached 18 years of age, means we are no longer dealing with pedophilia, but the abuse of a minor. ALL of these cases, where priests were guilty of wounding young people by this awful sin, are horrendous. This period was an acknowledgement by the Church of the sin, and we have since improved in the handling of cases of sexual abuse.
 
In addition to priests, today we are looking much more closely at bishops, many who have committed sexual abuse crimes or have hidden the abuse of others. We are now in a time of purification for the Church, and when accomplished, it will change the entire Catholic Church from the Vatican right down to the smallest dioceses on the earth. His Holiness Pope Francis will meet with the president of every episcopal (that is, bishop’s) conference in Rome to find ways to prevent this evil in the Catholic Church.
 
We will never understand the depth of the suffering of those who have been abused and how much it has undermined their lives. We crossed a line we cannot erase, and we must be vigilant to never cross it again. We have made progress though we have much more to do to have all Christians be witnesses to holiness by the way every one of us lives our lives as followers of Christ, being Christ Himself.
 
The coming years will invite us to grow closer to Jesus Christ as we continue this test of our faith, hope and love. Let us pray for the Church.