Rhode Island Report Details Decades of Abuse by Catholic Priests and Diocese Response

A 284-page report by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha details decades of child sexual abuse by about 75 Catholic priests involving over 300 victims from 1950 to 2011. The Diocese of Providence is criticized for transferring accused priests without proper investigation or law enforcement involvement. The diocese acknowledges past abuses but states the report covers historical cases and denies current active ministry accusations. The investigation has led to several prosecutions and calls for legal reforms.