Chicago Diocese Releases Sex-Abuse Files

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Thursday it will make public the internal files of 36 more priests accused of sexually abusing children. Cardinal Francis George said the release shows the church’s “commitment to transparency” and that it is “concerned first and foremost with bringing healing to abuse victims.” The release includes some 15,000 pages of once-secret documents, and follows a batch of paperwork that was disclosed in January as part of a settlement involving two-dozen priests. Archdiocese officials say a total of 63 priests have abused more than 350 children since 1950. Thursday’s release is seen as one of Cardinal George’s last acts before he retires this month.