Media Statements

Our hearts ache for each of you who were abused during and after John Paul II's long tenure as Pope. We know these days are difficult, even painful, for many of you, given the awful suffering so many still experience, suffering that is often made worse as the Catholic hierarchy praises wrongdoers instead of punishing them.

Our hearts also ache for all of you who tried to protect children from clergy predators during John Paul II's tenure, yet were met with cold indifference or open hostility.

John Paul II is revered by many across the world, but as you know, during his rule, great harm was committed which endures to this day. At best, he turned a blind eye to clergy sexual crimes and cover-ups. At worst, he perpetuated and approved them. For him to now be given the highest honor in the church rubs even more salt into the already deep and still fresh wounds of thousands of struggling victims and millions of betrayed Catholics and victims. 

For immediate release: Friday, April 25, 2014 

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])

At this late stage, it's pathetic that Pope John Paul II's longtime spokesman still tries to defend his horrific record on sexual violence against kids and church cover ups of predators.

For immediate release on Friday, April 25, 2014           

For more info: Melanie Sakoda (925-708-6175 cell, [email protected]), Cappy Larson ([email protected])  David Clohessy (314-566-9790, [email protected]) 

Church officials oust deacon about abuse 

But they keep allegations secret for months

Victims group blast "irresponsible behavior" 

A support group for clergy sex abuse victims has written again to a Michigan archbishop in response to his letter about a registered sex offender who had been serving as a subdeacon. They want him to help them make sure the wider community knows about the man’s record and the possible danger that he poses and they also want to know why abuse reports were not immediately reported to law enforcement. 

Name of wrongdoer: now retired Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia

What he's accused of: Prosecutors say he concealed dozens of cases of clergy abuse and kept dozens of predators in parishes just a few years ago.

How's he's being honored: He is a featured speaker at the Catholic Men Servant Leaders annual conference in Lexington, Kentucky. Even after harsh grand jury reports blasting him and his colleagues, Pope Benedict sent Rigali to eastern Europe to represent the Vatican and church events.http://www.snapnetwork.org/ky_controversial_cardinal_to_speak_at_event

Where he is now: Retired and living in Knoxville Tennessee

For immediate release: Friday, April 25, 2014

Statement by SNAP leader David D’Bonnabel of Austria

We are leaders in an international support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are from the U.K., Austria, Australia and the U.S.

For immediate release: Thursday, April 24, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected]) 

An Indiana youth pastor pleaded guilty to charges that he sexually exploited minors. We are deeply disturbed and distressed by the actions of this man and hope he gets a lengthy prison sentence. 

For immediate release: Thursday, April 24, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)

It breaks our hearts to see Penn State alums acting so irresponsibly by erecting a privately-funded new statue to Joe Paterno. 

For immediate release: Thursday, April 24, 2014

Statement by Joelle Casteix, Southern California Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949-322-7434, [email protected])

A former government chief, who resigned from his position after sexual misconduct allegations, has been sued for child sex abuse from when he was a priest. We are glad that victims are being given a voice and grateful they are speaking up.  

 For immediate release: Thursday, April 24, 2014

Statement by Kate Bochte of Geneva, SNAP member (630 768 1860, [email protected])  

This week, a Catholic priest who studied at the University of St. Mary of the Lake was arrested for child sex crimes in Albany, New York. 

For immediate release: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected]) 

In light of today's U.S. Supreme Court child porn ruling, we urge lawmakers to redouble their efforts to deter future child sex crimes and help those who suffer because of these heinous crimes.