Vatican orders inquiry into reported abuse at English Benedictine schools

October 25, 2011

The Vatican has ordered an investigation of the schools run by the Benedictines of Ealing Abbey.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith called for the inquiry because of reports of sexual abuse of students at the schools. A former headmaster at St. Benedict’s School has been jailed for indecent assault, while a former abbot of the Ealing Abbey, Father Laurence Soper, faces similar charges. Father Soper jumped bail earlier this month, and is wanted by police.

The apostolic visitation of the Benedictine schools will be led by Bishop John Arnold, an auxiliary of the Westminster archdiocese; and Father Richard Yeo, the head of the Benedictine order in England.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican orders inquiry into child sex abuse claims at UK schools (Daily Telegraph)
• English monk missing after jumping bail; faces child-abuse charges (CWN, 10/14)