A group that represents victims of clergy abuse wants the pope to investigate another Roman Catholic religious order. The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests is asking Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell to use his influence with the Vatican to investigate the Xaverian Missionary Fathers.
The Vatican this month took over the scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ.
SNAP says three Xaverian brothers have been accused of abuse, dating back decades. The advocacy group is appealing to McDonnell at a Tuesday news conference because it says he has been helpful in the past.
A spokesman for McDonnell did not immediately comment.
The head of the Xaverians’ U.S. headquarters says the order has already settled with victims of all three brothers named by SNAP and has undergone scrutiny from the Vatican.
SIC: TBH