Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony has been removed by the Los Angeles Archbishop after it was revealed that he concealed files documenting thousands of allegations of priests committing child abuse.

The Bishop of Santa Barbra has also stepped down in connection.

The Guardian has reported Cardinal Roger Mahony to have been stripped of all public and administrative duties after 12,000 files alleging abuse carried out by 14 priests were unsealed as part of a civil legal case. The documents show that Mahony and his aide, Thomas Curry, the Bishop of Santa Barbra worked to send priests accused of abuse out of the state to a church-run paedophile treatment centre and shield them from scrutiny. Mahony and Curry then made attempts to prevent the priests from later revealing their misconduct to therapists who would be obliged to report the crimes to police. 

The revelations follow a civil claim on behalf of over 500 child abuse victims against the Catholic Archidocese of LA which reached a settlement in 2007.

At Pannone we deal with many historic abuse cases and it is not unusual for victims to come forward with their allegations years after the incident. Pannone’s specialist abuse team would like to hear from anyone affected by this story or other similar abuse. Any communications will be treated in the strictest confidence. If you have been the victim of any form of abuse, or believe that somebody in your care might have been abused contact us today or call 0800 0384 384 for free confidential advice.