944 children abused by Catholic clergy, Mass. AG says — but no new charges

The Massachusetts attorney general released a report documenting over 270 Catholic clergy accused of sexually abusing 944 children across three dioceses, but no new indictments will result from the investigation. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell emphasized the deep understanding that each number represents a child whose safety was violated and a survivor carrying trauma.

The investigation, initiated in 2019, reviewed over 300,000 documents and interviewed more than 100 individuals, including survivors and clergy. The report revealed that diocesan leaders consistently covered up abuse allegations before 2002 by transferring accused clergy to new congregations without informing parishioners. Some priests were even placed in psychiatric treatment facilities before returning to ministry, where they were later accused of reoffending.

Survivors described feeling pressured to testify to internal church investigators or remain silent, with dioceses using non-disclosure agreements to prevent survivors from discussing abuse allegations. The report also highlighted that 12 dioceses across the United States have yet to publish lists of credibly accused clergy, representing less than 5% of all dioceses and orders.

In Massachusetts, only Worcester has not published a list. The Vatican did not respond to requests for comment, but the report suggests that such lists could encourage survivors to come forward, reveal the scope of abuse, and promote transparency and accountability. The Worcester Diocese, however, welcomed the report and acknowledged improvements in procedures and safety training since 2002.