“The grand jury uncovered evidence of sexual abuse of minors committed by dozens of priests and, in one case, an aspiring priest, in the Diocese of Pittsburgh,” the report said. “This sexual abuse included grooming and fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts, as well as penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus,” according to the report.
Additionally, the grand jury said the administrators of the diocese regularly placed these priests in ministry despite complaints against them. This enabled their sexual conduct and endangered children.
Furthermore, the grand jury found that the diocese “made settlements with victims.” The “settlements contained confidentiality agreements” prohibiting victims from talking about their abuse under threat of some penalty.
