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  3 Western Pa. Seminaries in Vatican Study

Associated Press, carried in Observer-Reporter [Washington PA]
September 19, 2005

PITTSBURGH – Three Western Pennsylvania seminaries will be evaluated over the next several months in a Vatican study prompted by the Roman Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals.

The study will examine the psychological, spiritual, intellectual and sexual factors that shape priests at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe and St. Paul Seminary in East Carnegie.

U.S. bishops requested the study, which has 55 questions.

The study focuses on what the church calls "human formation," cultivating the character and conduct expected of a priest, said the Rev. Kurt Belsole, rector of St. Vincent Seminary.

"It means they have to be a good human being before they can be a good priest," he said.

A 2004 study of child molestation accusations against priests revealed that 4,392 priests were accused of molesting 10,667 minors between 1950 and 2002.

A report is to be submitted to the Vatican, which will draft an evaluation for the local bishop or religious superior, who can challenge its findings before a final report is issued.

 
 

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