Sex-abuse victims’ fury at lack of laicisations

Supporters of Belgian victims of clerical sexual abuse have protested after it emerged that the Vatican had laicised only eight offending priests in recent years, writes Tom Heneghan.

Belgian media uncovered the number after reports from Rome said former Pope Benedict had laicised almost 400 abusive priests in 2011 and 2012.

“There are 800 complaints against priests and Religious in Belgium. What is the Vatican doing about the other 792?”, Fr Rik Devillé of the Human Rights in the Church group told the daily Het Nieuwsblad. “I’d call it a drop in the ocean but it’s not even a drop.”

Walter Van Steenbrugge, a lawyer for 39 victims, said the total was “incredibly low” and “little more than window-dressing”.

A church spokesman confirmed the total and said that many abuse cases had passed Belgium’s statute of limitations and therefore also that of the Vatican, and could not be prosecuted.