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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Release
Giving Voice to Victims

 

April 14, 2005

Sex Abuse Victims To Name "Unacceptable" Candidates For Pope

US-Based Group Will Also Discuss Traits Needed by John Paul II's Successor

They Will Visit Two Church Officials in Rome Who Are Housing Molesters

WHAT:
At a news conference, clergy molestation victims will

- name and discuss several prominent papal candidates they do not want to see become Pope, and

- outline traits they'd like to see in the next Pope.

Afterwards, they will walk to two nearby sites where accused sexually abusive clerics live and/or work near the Vatican, and attempt to hand deliver letters to the clerics' supervisors, urging that they take steps to warn neighbors and parishioners about the clerics.

WHEN:
Friday, April 15, 2:30 p.m. (Rome time)

WHERE:
Inside Hotel Michaelangelo, Via della Stazione di S.Pietro (lower level) in Rome

WHO:
Three US victims of sexually abusive priests who are leaders of the largest American support group for sexual abuse victims - SNAP - the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (a Chicago-based self-help organization of 5,000+ members)

DETAILS:
SNAP is the USA's largest support group for people victimized by clergy.

A Boston area therapist who was abused by a priest and heads the New England chapter of SNAP will join the two female SNAP leaders for the event and will remain in Rome for several days.

CONTACT:

In Rome:
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP founder and president (in Rome) 312 399 4747
Bill Gately of Boston, SNAP New England co-coordinator (in Rome) 508 524 5179
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (in Rome) 39 334 180 7425

(Both women are staying at the Grand Hotel Tiberio at Via Lattanzio 51. Mr. Gately is staying at Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, at 15 Via Cavour. His hotel phone from the U.S. is 011 39 06 488 4051.)

In the US:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director (314) 566 9790 cell
Mark Serrano of Washington DC, SNAP national board member (571) 223 0042 work
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP national board member (414) 429 7259 cell
Mary Grant of Long Beach CA, SNAP western regional director (626) 419 2930


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org