I stated above what my diocese in Sacramento, California, did, but let me say it again: They offered victims counseling and a $25,000 or $40,000 no-questions-asked settlement, and reported incidents to police for criminal investigation. Many other dioceses did the same thing. They handled the matter honestly and with compassion. Many other dioceses did this, but far too many played games and tried to deny problems and avoid paying any compensation.

When the shit hit the fan in 2002, it all blew up in their faces. Dealing with victims became a bidding war, and finally the price went up to $1 million per victim. Our diocese had to come up with an additional $1 million for each victim, although those victims had already been compensated many years before. Many dioceses couldn't pay, so they ended up selling off assets and filing bankruptcy. I don't know how many victims have not been compensated, but I get the impression that has been settled for the most part in the U.S.

But there were some bishops who did some really devious things to cover up these crimes and to avoid compensation. For the most part, these bishops got away without punishment - although a few were convicted. This grand jury investigation in Pennsylvania finally gets to the heart of what the bishops were doing or not doing there. For the most part, the guilty parties have already died or retired, but I'm sure some heads will roll before this is done. And most likely, there will be grand jury investigations in other states.

If all dioceses had done what mine did half a century ago, I would imagine this would not be the scandal that it is today.

-Joe-