Bishops’ Report Marks Full Audit Participation, Flags Child Protection Weaknesses

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting ongoing issues in safeguarding children within the Church.

This report, covering the fiscal year from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, documented over 1,000 allegations of child sexual abuse reported across U.S. dioceses, representing a small fraction of the total concerning minors.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB, noted the report’s findings while also pointing to a significant achievement: full participation in audits for the first time since the Dallas Charter’s inception.

The report identified weaknesses in several dioceses’ review boards and records management, alongside challenges like staff burnout and turnover in victim assistance roles.

US dioceses have paid billions in settlements and costs related to abuse claims since 2004, with OSV News estimating the total likely exceeds $6 billion.

Based on the data, the report recommended continued vigilance and consistent monitoring to protect children, as abuse often occurs within trusted relationships.

Coakley emphasized that while the historic milestone of full audit participation is significant, the commitment to protecting children must remain unwavering.

(Micah 6:8) Micah 6:8 calls for us to walk humbly with God and seek justice, protect the vulnerable, and do what is right. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs us to open our mouths for the mute, to maintain justice for the fatherless and the widow.

Source: Read the original report