The Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI are being sued by an Illinois man who was sexually abused as a child while attending a Catholic school for the deaf in Wisconsin.
The victim, who is now an adult, claims that the Church and Pope Benedict, who was known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the time the abuse took place, intentionally covered up instances of sexual abuse by a priest for the "good of the Church" and to avoid a scandal.
In his lawsuit, the victim is demanding the Church release the names of all the priests in which there have been credible sexual abuse claims made against them. The lawsuit says the Church knew there was a high probability that these "clerics" could sexual molest more children, but instead "sought to protect itself from scandal, sought to keep its income stream going, at the peril of children."
The victim, whose name was not reported, claims he was molested by Father Lawrence Murphy while attending St. John's School for the Deaf. In his lawsuit, the victim argued that by covering up the abuse, the Vatican perpetuated the abuse.
Murphy, who is now dead, is believed to have molested up to 200 boys.
Benedict was named as a defendant in the lawsuit because he had the ultimate authority to remove priests, and because while he was Cardinal he was highly involved in reviewing sex abuse cases.
Contact Zalkin Law Firm for Help!
If you are victim of Catholic priest abuse, a clergy abuse lawyer at the Zalkin Law Firm can help. We are currently representing victims of sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in California and other areas, and are very familiar with the lawsuits being filed against the Catholic Church. You can depend on us to advocate your legal rights, and help you seek justice for the wrongdoing that has been committed against you. We know you have been through a very traumatic experience. With our help, not only will you be able to seek justice, but you may also be able to recover compensation for your emotional trauma and pain and suffering.
For more information about our services, click here to contact the Zalkin Law Firm today!
