Portuguese bishops apologizes over sexual abuse in Catholic Church

At least 4,815 children victimized by Catholic clergy in Portugal since 1950, according to independent committee

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Bishops apologized Friday to victims of sexual abuse in Portugal's Catholic Church.

The bishops met in Fatima at a plenary meeting of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP).

The CEP released a statement after the meeting apologizing to victims across the country.

The move came after an independent committee's announcement last month revealed at least 4,815 children have been sexually abused by Catholic clergy in Portugal since 1950.

After 512 people came forward with testimonies, coordinator of the investigation, Pedro Strecht, said it was an "absolute minimum" number of victims.

The investigation also showed that 96% of abusers were men and 77% were priests.

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