UNITED STATES
Headlines from the Catholic World

December 8, 2013 By CNA Daily News
Washington D.C., Dec 8, 2013 / 04:08 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, has welcomed Pope Francis’ new commission to fight the sexual abuse of minors, pledging his help and support in its mission.

“Abuse of minors is a sin and a crime, and every step must be taken to eradicate this blight. Such abuse is especially grave when committed by anyone in ministry in our Church,” the Louisville, Ky., archbishop said Dec. 5.

Earlier in the week, Pope Francis approved a proposal for a new commission to advise him on how to protect children from abuse and how to help abuse victims.

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, a member of an eight-cardinal council advising the Pope, explained at a Dec. 5 press conference that the…