Boston Globe / Spotlight / Abuse in the Catholic Church

Coverage

Globe coverage of the scandal has been divided into nine categories:

Predator priests

The worst abusers preyed on dozens of children in many parishes around Boston. | Go |

Scandal and coverup

For years, the church moved priests and paid off victims to keep abuse cases quiet. | Go |

The victims

Hundreds of people have come forward claiming they were abused by clergy. | Go |

The financial cost

With hundreds of lawsuits pending, the church could be forced into bankruptcy. | Go |

Cardinal Law and the laity

An energized lay movement helped force the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law. | Go |

The church's response

Church leaders have turned over priest files and adopted a new policy on sex abuse. | Go |

The clergy

Priests around Boston have struggled to comfort their shaken parishioners. | Go |

Investigations and lawsuits

Civil suits have been brought against the church; criminal charges may be next. | Go |

Opinion

Globe columnists and guest writers offer their perspectives on the abuse crisis. | Go |

More documents:

Clergy abuse documents

Over the course of its investigation of the priest sexual abuse scandal, the Globe has obtained thousands of documents from the Archdiocese of Boston. Additionally, Cardinal Bernard Law and his former deputy, Bishop Thomas Daily, have been deposed by lawyers for alleged victims of molestation concerning their handling of abusive priests.

Scans of many of the key documents have been created and arranged by case. Select a set of documents to view, or click here for a complete list of all the documents.

Letters and memos
Rev. John Geoghan case
Rev. Paul Shanley case
Rev. Ronald Paquin case
Correspondence from Cardinal Bernard Law
Other clergy abuse cases
Church policies
Legal documents and court filings

Depositions of church leaders
Bishop Thomas Daily
Cardinal Bernard Law