Catholic Church Investigation Finds Abuse Present in Most Belgian Dioceses

The Catholic Church continues to face embarrassing accusations of sexual abuse by its religious officials. Allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Roman Catholic clergy in Belgium have been reported in nearly every diocese investigated, an official said.Most of the alleged victims were boys under 15 and 13 of them committed suicide, the BBC said Friday. Church investigator Peter Adriaenssens said his commission found that 100 girls were also victims of sexual abuse.He said it didn't appear there was a systematic coverup.Adriaenssens said bishops' views of the issue evolved after the investigation and they didn't seem to realize the implications of their actions.In April, the Brugers Bishop Roger Vangheluwe resigned, admitting to have sexually abused a boy before and after becoming a bishop.Adriaenssens deactivated his commission after his files were seized by police investigating sexual abuse by the clergy, the BBC reported. He said prosecutors were using it as "bait." A Belgian appeals court Thursday said the police raids had been illegal and prosecutors couldn't use documents seized.The Belgian Catholic Church said it would announce Monday how its investigations may be continued.Source: UPI