Roman Catholic Church France to compensate victims of abuse

Correspondent Frank Renout:

“This announcement is not unexpected. The report was commissioned by the bishops. They have already acknowledged that a lot has gone wrong, a kind of official admission of guilt actually, and that is now being translated into deeds.”

“It is by no means clear how much compensation will be paid. An unknown number of victims have already died. The question is what part the relatives can claim. But it is certain that this is well above the reserves of the church. hence the resolve to sell possessions and, if need be, borrow money.”

“Initially there was a plan to make the believers pay for these compensations, but that has been shelved. It was clear that you cannot make them pay for the misbehavior of others.”

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