Archdiocese files bankruptcy settlement that will divvy up $21M among clergy sex abuse victims

MILWAUKEE — The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee on Monday, August 24th filed its bankruptcy reorganization plan, formalizing a recent settlement deal that will divvy up $21 million among more than 300 victims of clergy sex abuse.The archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011 to address its sex abuse lawsuit liabilities.

Archdiocese of Milwaukee: $21M settlement reached to compensate clergy sex abuse survivors

MILWAUKEE -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee on Tuesday, August 4th announced a $21 million settlement has been reached to compensate clergy sexual abuse survivors.The settlement comes after three days of negotiations between the Archdiocese, a creditors' committee and attorneys for abuse survivors, and Archbishop Jerome Listecki says the settlement sets the stage for the archdiocese to close a bankruptcy proceeding that was filed in January 2011.

Creating dialogue: Milwaukee Art Museum features papal portrait made of condoms

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Art Museum opened a new exhibit on Thursday, July 30th titled, "Art and the Global AIDS Crisis: Eggs Benedict." It features a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made from a collection of 17,000 latex condoms."When this story first broke that the museum had acquired the work, we had thousands of people coming to the museum wanting to see this work," said Daniel Keegan, Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum.Milwaukee-based Artist Niki Johnson created the portrait with the intent to spark a conversation about AIDS in Africa.

Archdiocese asks Supreme Court to review appeals court decision on $55M cemetery trust fund

MILWAUKEE -- In March, an appeals court ruled a $55 million cemetery trust fund is fair game in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s bankruptcy case, and now, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's "Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust" has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court -- asking that they review the appeals court decision relating to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago in May that the fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee is not covered by the federal law that protects religious organizations from government interference.Attorneys for clergy sexual abuse victims say Dolan created the fund to hide money from their clients.

President Barack Obama to host Pope Francis at the White House in September

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis in Washington when he visits the United States this fall.White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would welcome the pontiff as a guest at the White House on Sept. 23.

Appeals court: $55M cemetery trust fair game in Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy case

MADISON (AP) — An appeals court has ruled that a $55 million cemetery trust fund is fair game in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case.The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said Monday that the fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee is not covered by a federal law that protects religious organizations from government interference.Attorneys for clergy sexual abuse victims say Dolan created the fund to hide money from their clients.

Federal bankruptcy judge dismisses nine of 10 claims in Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy case

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A judge in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy has eliminated the largest number of sexual abuse claims to date in the four-year-old case.Federal bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley has dismissed nine of 10 claims challenged by the archdiocese.

After dove debacle, Vatican makes balloons new peace symbol

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Dove lovers, rejoice.Balloons, not doves, were released as a gesture of peace Sunday in St.

Pope Francis: Millions gather in Manila for Mass

(CNN) -- Pope Francis urged millions gathered in Manila on Sunday to take care of one another -- and help promote peace in the world.Worshippers in ponchos of all colors held up flickering candles in the rain, hanging on his every word.The Pope wore a yellow poncho over his robe as he celebrated the Mass, which was attended by 6 million people, according to the Philippine News Agency."May he enable all the beloved people of this country to work together, protecting one another, beginning with your families and communities," the Pope said.His homily followed a thunderous welcome to the capital.As he entered the park, the huge crowd chanted, "Papa Francesco, Papa Francesco!"He waved, kissed babies and reached over to touch the hands reaching out to him.'We are all God's children'The Pope's message included one he's talked about many times: empathy."In these days, throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song 'We are all God's children,'" he said. "All of us are God's children, members of God's family."Young people, he said, especially need extra care."Jesus himself needed to be protected," he said."We too need to protect, guide and encourage our young people, helping them to build a society worthy of their great spiritual and cultural heritage," he said.As Francis left the venue in the capital, some jumped over barricades and ran after his vehicle."We love you, Papa Francesco!" others yelled.Intense rainHeavy rains pounded the city ahead of the Mass.

Pope Francis prays for peace in hearts, families, world in New Year

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has prayed for blessings for "the entire human family" in his first public ceremony of the new year.Celebrating Mass Thursday morning in St.

Priests, survivor advocates calling on the Vatican to investigate Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- An open letter sent by a group of local priest and survivor advocates is calling on the Vatican to investigate the Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy.As reported Tuesday, December 2nd in the National Catholic Reporter (NCR), the letter presents six points under church law and practice that would justify such an investigation:

Federal appeals court: Clergy abuse victim can't make bankruptcy claim

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal appeals court says a clergy sexual abuse victim who previously settled with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee cannot set aside that deal to pursue a claim in bankruptcy court.The victim identified in court documents as John Doe settled with the archdiocese for $80,000 in 2007 after participating in mediation.The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying it wouldn't be able to pay if lawsuits filed by other victims went against it.

Lucky teen meets Pope Francis

FOND DU LAC (WITI) -- A Fond du Lac teenager receives the trip of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to meet Pope Francis.14-year-old Kayla Doll was randomly selected from a group of devout and dedicated teenagers to present the pope with a symbolic crown at an event on Saturday, October 25th, at the Vatican.FOX6 News was told that Kayla met the pope while he was walking to the stage, and got to sit in the third row for his speech.