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News Topical, Digital Desk : Catholic priests in Italy have been accused of sexually abusing nearly 4,400 people in cases reported since 2020, a group of victims claimed on Friday.

The figures, provided by the abuse victims' group Rete l'Abuso, are based on victim testimonies, judicial sources, and media reports. Rete l'Abuso did not specify how long ago the abuse cases occurred.

Attempts to cover up crimes

The Italian bishops' conference had no comment on the findings, a spokesman said. The global Catholic Church has been trying to cover up pedophile priests and their crimes for decades. The local church in Italy has shown less urgency in confronting the issue.

What did the new pope say?

The new Pope Leo met with victims of sexual abuse by clergy for the first time this week. He has forbidden the Church's new bishops from concealing such allegations. His predecessor, the late Pope Francis, made the issue a priority of his 12-year papacy, but with mixed results.


Read More: Spanish police recovered a lost Picasso painting that was 100 years old; you'll be surprised to know its price.

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