Suspect priests resettled: Report

Dallas, Texas -

An international movement of Roman Catholic priests out of countries where they have been accused of abusing children has continued even after the abuse scandal that swept the U.S. church in 2002, the Dallas Morning News found in a year-long investigation. Hundreds of priests accused of abuse have been moved from country to country, allowing them to start new lives in unsuspecting communities and continue working in church ministries, the newspaper reported in today's editions.

The priests lead parishes, teach and continue to work in settings that bring them into contact with children despite church claims to the contrary, the newspaper said.

Vatican officials declined to comment Friday after an overview of the investigation was featured on National Public Radio.

In one case, Rev. Frank Klep, a convicted child molester who has admitted abusing one boy and is wanted on more charges in Australia, was placed in Apia, Samoa, in the South Pacific. Australia has no extradition treaty with Samoa.

Read the article at Ottawa Sun Online dated June 20, 2004

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