Victims object to Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy plan
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Attorneys representing sexual abuse victims and other creditors in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case have filed an objection to the archdiocese's bankruptcy plan.The documents filed Friday in federal bankruptcy court dispute the archdiocese's claim that it made as much money as possible available to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse.They also dispute the archdiocese's claim that it is not responsible for the actions of lay people or priests who worked in the archdiocese but were assigned to religious orders.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Attorneys representing sexual abuse victims and other creditors in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case have filed an objection to the archdiocese's bankruptcy plan.The documents filed Friday in federal bankruptcy court dispute the archdiocese's claim that it made as much money as possible available to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse.They also dispute the archdiocese's claim that it is not responsible for the actions of lay people or priests who worked in the archdiocese but were assigned to religious orders.
Pope Francis marks anniversary: "Please pray for me."
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has marked his one-year anniversary with a simple tweet: "Please pray for me."Francis' appeal Thursday echoed his gesture on that rainy night one year ago when he came out onto the balcony of St.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has marked his one-year anniversary with a simple tweet: "Please pray for me."Francis' appeal Thursday echoed his gesture on that rainy night one year ago when he came out onto the balcony of St.
Group calls mayor's invitation to Pope "grossly inappropriate"
GREEN BAY (WITI) -- A Madison-based group is calling out Green Bay's mayor for inviting the leader of the Catholic Church to visit Green Bay.
GREEN BAY (WITI) -- A Madison-based group is calling out Green Bay's mayor for inviting the leader of the Catholic Church to visit Green Bay.
Green Bay mayor wants Pope Francis to visit shrine in Wis.
GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Green Bay's mayor has quite the proposal for the Pope!Jim Schmitt is hoping residents can help lure Pope Francis to the area during a possible visit to the United States next year.Schmitt wants Pope Francis to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion.In 2010, the Catholic Church validated an appearance by the Virgin Mary at the shrine back in the mid-1800s.The mayor is organizing a petition for people to show support for the Pope's potential visit."There's a group of people getting together and this will include a website that will include ways to get your friends to sign a petition.
GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Green Bay's mayor has quite the proposal for the Pope!Jim Schmitt is hoping residents can help lure Pope Francis to the area during a possible visit to the United States next year.Schmitt wants Pope Francis to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion.In 2010, the Catholic Church validated an appearance by the Virgin Mary at the shrine back in the mid-1800s.The mayor is organizing a petition for people to show support for the Pope's potential visit."There's a group of people getting together and this will include a website that will include ways to get your friends to sign a petition.
Pope Francis kisses "mini Pope" in St. Peter's Square
VATICAN CITY (WITI) -- Pope Francis has a "Mini Me."19-month-old Daniele de Sanctis is now a star of Carnival.
VATICAN CITY (WITI) -- Pope Francis has a "Mini Me."19-month-old Daniele de Sanctis is now a star of Carnival.
Archdiocese to file Plan of Reorganization in Chapter 11 proceedings
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced on Wednesday, February 12th that it is filing its Plan of Reorganization in its Chapter 11 proceedings."As an Archbishop, I can say immediately -- my profound sorrow, shame, hurt -- that this has ever occurred," said Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki.The plan will establish a $500,000 Lifetime Therapy Fund for abuse survivors. $4 million will also be available to provide financial settlements for abuse survivors with eligible claims.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced on Wednesday, February 12th that it is filing its Plan of Reorganization in its Chapter 11 proceedings."As an Archbishop, I can say immediately -- my profound sorrow, shame, hurt -- that this has ever occurred," said Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki.The plan will establish a $500,000 Lifetime Therapy Fund for abuse survivors. $4 million will also be available to provide financial settlements for abuse survivors with eligible claims.
Some victims not happy with Archdiocese reorganization plan
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced on Wednesday, February 12th that it is filing its Plan of Reorganization in its Chapter 11 proceedings -- and some victims say they're not happy with the plan, nor how it was delivered.The plan will establish a $500,000 Lifetime Therapy Fund for abuse survivors. $4 million will also be available to provide financial settlements for abuse survivors with eligible claims.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced on Wednesday, February 12th that it is filing its Plan of Reorganization in its Chapter 11 proceedings -- and some victims say they're not happy with the plan, nor how it was delivered.The plan will establish a $500,000 Lifetime Therapy Fund for abuse survivors. $4 million will also be available to provide financial settlements for abuse survivors with eligible claims.
Pope Francis' Harley-Davidson sells for $327,000
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycle hits the auction block, selling for almost 20 times its estimated value, due to its previous owner, Pope Francis!
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycle hits the auction block, selling for almost 20 times its estimated value, due to its previous owner, Pope Francis!
U.N. committee on sexual abuse grills Vatican officials
(CNN) -- A senior Vatican official acknowledged Thursday there is "no excuse" for child sex abuse, as he and others were grilled by a U.N. committee about the Catholic Church's handling of pedophile priests.It's the first time the Vatican has been forced to answer allegations so publicly that it enabled the sexual abuse of children by protecting such priests.The committee questioned a handful of Vatican officials -- including Monsignor Silvano Tomasi, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, and Monsignor Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's former chief sex-crimes prosecutor -- for several hours Thursday in Switzerland.In his opening remarks, Tomasi said, "There is no excuse for any form of sexual violence or exploitation of children.
(CNN) -- A senior Vatican official acknowledged Thursday there is "no excuse" for child sex abuse, as he and others were grilled by a U.N. committee about the Catholic Church's handling of pedophile priests.It's the first time the Vatican has been forced to answer allegations so publicly that it enabled the sexual abuse of children by protecting such priests.The committee questioned a handful of Vatican officials -- including Monsignor Silvano Tomasi, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, and Monsignor Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's former chief sex-crimes prosecutor -- for several hours Thursday in Switzerland.In his opening remarks, Tomasi said, "There is no excuse for any form of sexual violence or exploitation of children.
Pope Francis delivers "State of the World" address
VATICAN CITY (FOX) -- Pope Francis delivered his first "State of the World" address to a group of diplomats on Monday, January 13th.The pontiff focused his speech mostly on the Middle East.
VATICAN CITY (FOX) -- Pope Francis delivered his first "State of the World" address to a group of diplomats on Monday, January 13th.The pontiff focused his speech mostly on the Middle East.
Wis. native paints Pope for Time's "Person of the Year" edition
CHICAGO (WITI) -- An artist's goal is to be seen, and a Wisconsin native achieved that goal many times over in 2013.
CHICAGO (WITI) -- An artist's goal is to be seen, and a Wisconsin native achieved that goal many times over in 2013.
Pope calls for big changes in the Roman Catholic Church
(CNN) -- Pope Francis on Tuesday called for big changes in the Roman Catholic Church -- including at the very top -- saying he knows it will be a messy business but he expects his flock to dive in feet first."I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," the Pope said in a major new statement."I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures."The Pope's address, called an "apostolic exhortation," is basically a pep talk from the throne of St.
(CNN) -- Pope Francis on Tuesday called for big changes in the Roman Catholic Church -- including at the very top -- saying he knows it will be a messy business but he expects his flock to dive in feet first."I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," the Pope said in a major new statement."I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures."The Pope's address, called an "apostolic exhortation," is basically a pep talk from the throne of St.
Italy mourns more than 100 migrants killed in Lampedusa shipwreck
LAMPEDUSA, Italy (CNN) -- "Today is a day of tears," Pope Francis said Friday of a shipwreck off the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa a day earlier, in which at least 111 people died.Italy's government declared Friday a day of national mourning in the wake of the shipwreck.Rescue efforts continued through the day, with divers at the site of the wreck, but rough waters complicated their task.Four children were among the dead, alongside 49 women and 58 men, coast guard spokesman Filippo Marini said.
LAMPEDUSA, Italy (CNN) -- "Today is a day of tears," Pope Francis said Friday of a shipwreck off the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa a day earlier, in which at least 111 people died.Italy's government declared Friday a day of national mourning in the wake of the shipwreck.Rescue efforts continued through the day, with divers at the site of the wreck, but rough waters complicated their task.Four children were among the dead, alongside 49 women and 58 men, coast guard spokesman Filippo Marini said.
Pope Francis: Church can't 'interfere' with gays
(CNN) -- Pope Francis said the church has the right to express its opinions but not to "interfere spiritually" in the lives of gays and lesbians, expanding on explosive comments he made in July about not judging homosexuals.In a wide-ranging interview published Thursday, the pope also said that women must play a key role in church decisions and brushed off critics who say he should be more vocal about fighting abortion and gay marriage.Moreover, if the church fails to find a "new balance" between its spiritual and political missions, the pope warned, its moral foundation will "fall like a house of cards."The interview, released by Jesuit magazines in several different languages and 16 countries on Thursday, offers perhaps the most expansive and in-depth view of Francis' vision for the Roman Catholic Church.The pope's comments don't break with Catholic doctrine or policy, but instead show a shift in approach, moving from censure to engagement.Elected in March with the expectation that he would try to reform the Vatican, an institution that many observers say is riven by corruption and turf wars, Francis said his first mission is to change the church's "attitude.""The church has sometimes locked itself up in small things," the pope said, "in small-minded rules.""The people of God want pastors," Francis continued, "not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials."MORE ON CNN: The pope said what?
(CNN) -- Pope Francis said the church has the right to express its opinions but not to "interfere spiritually" in the lives of gays and lesbians, expanding on explosive comments he made in July about not judging homosexuals.In a wide-ranging interview published Thursday, the pope also said that women must play a key role in church decisions and brushed off critics who say he should be more vocal about fighting abortion and gay marriage.Moreover, if the church fails to find a "new balance" between its spiritual and political missions, the pope warned, its moral foundation will "fall like a house of cards."The interview, released by Jesuit magazines in several different languages and 16 countries on Thursday, offers perhaps the most expansive and in-depth view of Francis' vision for the Roman Catholic Church.The pope's comments don't break with Catholic doctrine or policy, but instead show a shift in approach, moving from censure to engagement.Elected in March with the expectation that he would try to reform the Vatican, an institution that many observers say is riven by corruption and turf wars, Francis said his first mission is to change the church's "attitude.""The church has sometimes locked itself up in small things," the pope said, "in small-minded rules.""The people of God want pastors," Francis continued, "not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials."MORE ON CNN: The pope said what?
Pope Francis calls for day of fasting for Syria
(CNN) -- To robust applause from the gathered faithful, Pope Francis called Sunday for a day of prayer and fasting over the violence in Syria.Devoting the totality of his weekly remarks in St.
(CNN) -- To robust applause from the gathered faithful, Pope Francis called Sunday for a day of prayer and fasting over the violence in Syria.Devoting the totality of his weekly remarks in St.
Artist commissioned by Harley, Vatican to paint 110th piece
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Painter David Uhl was commissioned by both Harley-Davidson and the Vatican to paint a special work of art commemorating the 110th Anniversary celebration.Uhl's talent has taken him from rock stars to Rome -- he's even had a chance to meet the Pope."That was amazing, surreal for me.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Painter David Uhl was commissioned by both Harley-Davidson and the Vatican to paint a special work of art commemorating the 110th Anniversary celebration.Uhl's talent has taken him from rock stars to Rome -- he's even had a chance to meet the Pope."That was amazing, surreal for me.
Vatican to say next month when John Paul II will become saint
(CNN) -- The Roman Catholic Church will announce next month the date when the late popes John Paul II and John XXIII will be canonized, Vatican Radio reported Wednesday.The canonization dates for the two former pontiffs will be announced on September 30, the radio service reported, citing Cardinal Angelo Amato.Pope Francis announced last month that his two 20th century predecessors would be declared saints.John Paul was pope from 1978 until his death in 2005, drawing vast crowds as he crisscrossed the globe.
(CNN) -- The Roman Catholic Church will announce next month the date when the late popes John Paul II and John XXIII will be canonized, Vatican Radio reported Wednesday.The canonization dates for the two former pontiffs will be announced on September 30, the radio service reported, citing Cardinal Angelo Amato.Pope Francis announced last month that his two 20th century predecessors would be declared saints.John Paul was pope from 1978 until his death in 2005, drawing vast crowds as he crisscrossed the globe.
Priest calling out church hierarchy on handling of sex abuse scandal
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Father James Connell, a Catholic priest, is calling out the church hierarchy on its handling of the child sex abuse scandal.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Father James Connell, a Catholic priest, is calling out the church hierarchy on its handling of the child sex abuse scandal.
Judge shields Milw. Archdiocese cemetery funds from creditors
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On Tuesday, July 30th a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the Archdiocese's practice of putting a portion of the money received from cemetery lot and mausoleum sales into a trust could not be undone for the benefit of claimants in bankruptcy proceedings.The judge ruled that removing some or all of these funds from the trust and placing them in the bankruptcy estate would undoubtedly put “substantial pressure” on Archbishop Listecki to “modify behavior” and “violate beliefs”.This ruling comes on the heels of allegations of fraud against Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was Milwaukee’s Archbishop when he told deposers he, with the Vatican’s permission, in 2007 transferred $57 million in Archdiocese funds into a cemetery trust.The Milwaukee Archdiocese says the money was always designated for cemeteries, and in 2007, it was formalized into a trust.Meanwhile, SNAP, the Survivor’s Network for Those Abused by Priests, claim Cardinal Dolan set up a cemetery trust to shield assets.“Cardinal Timothy Dolan, when he was in Milwaukee, who was to be the pastor and shepard of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and especially — especially to victims of childhood sexual abuse, to whom he made to us direct promises that he was going to be truthful, that he was going to bring healing to this Archdiocese — today`s documents, especially the letter he wrote to the Vatican shows he set up a cemetery trust to shield those assets,” Peter Isely with SNAP said.The Archdiocese of Milwaukee released the following statement after Tuesday's ruling:"An important decision on the separation of church and state was issued today by United States District Court Judge Rudolph Randa.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On Tuesday, July 30th a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the Archdiocese's practice of putting a portion of the money received from cemetery lot and mausoleum sales into a trust could not be undone for the benefit of claimants in bankruptcy proceedings.The judge ruled that removing some or all of these funds from the trust and placing them in the bankruptcy estate would undoubtedly put “substantial pressure” on Archbishop Listecki to “modify behavior” and “violate beliefs”.This ruling comes on the heels of allegations of fraud against Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was Milwaukee’s Archbishop when he told deposers he, with the Vatican’s permission, in 2007 transferred $57 million in Archdiocese funds into a cemetery trust.The Milwaukee Archdiocese says the money was always designated for cemeteries, and in 2007, it was formalized into a trust.Meanwhile, SNAP, the Survivor’s Network for Those Abused by Priests, claim Cardinal Dolan set up a cemetery trust to shield assets.“Cardinal Timothy Dolan, when he was in Milwaukee, who was to be the pastor and shepard of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and especially — especially to victims of childhood sexual abuse, to whom he made to us direct promises that he was going to be truthful, that he was going to bring healing to this Archdiocese — today`s documents, especially the letter he wrote to the Vatican shows he set up a cemetery trust to shield those assets,” Peter Isely with SNAP said.The Archdiocese of Milwaukee released the following statement after Tuesday's ruling:"An important decision on the separation of church and state was issued today by United States District Court Judge Rudolph Randa.
Pope Francis on gays: `Who am I to judge?'
ABOARD THE PAPAL AIRPLANE (CNN) -- Pope Francis said Monday that he will not "judge" gays and lesbians -- including gay priests -- signaling a shift from his predecessor and offering another sign that the new pope is committed to changing the church's approach to historically marginalized groups."If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" he said in a wide-ranging news conference aboard the papal plane.Though answering a question about the so-called gay lobby at the Vatican, the pope's remarks seemed to signal a change in tone, if not in teaching, in the church's stance toward gays and lesbians more generally.The pope was flying back to Rome from Brazil, where he spent the past week celebrating World Youth Day, an international Catholic event that drew millions.Taking questions from reporters aboard the plane, the pope addressed nearly every hot-button issue facing the Roman Catholic Church: its alleged "gay lobby," Vatican bank corruption, the role of women, abortion, homosexuality and his own personal security.But it was the pope's remarks on homosexuality -- the head of a 1 billion-member church saying that he will not judge gays -- that caused the widest stir."Pope Francis' brief comment on gays reveals great mercy," said the Rev.
ABOARD THE PAPAL AIRPLANE (CNN) -- Pope Francis said Monday that he will not "judge" gays and lesbians -- including gay priests -- signaling a shift from his predecessor and offering another sign that the new pope is committed to changing the church's approach to historically marginalized groups."If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" he said in a wide-ranging news conference aboard the papal plane.Though answering a question about the so-called gay lobby at the Vatican, the pope's remarks seemed to signal a change in tone, if not in teaching, in the church's stance toward gays and lesbians more generally.The pope was flying back to Rome from Brazil, where he spent the past week celebrating World Youth Day, an international Catholic event that drew millions.Taking questions from reporters aboard the plane, the pope addressed nearly every hot-button issue facing the Roman Catholic Church: its alleged "gay lobby," Vatican bank corruption, the role of women, abortion, homosexuality and his own personal security.But it was the pope's remarks on homosexuality -- the head of a 1 billion-member church saying that he will not judge gays -- that caused the widest stir."Pope Francis' brief comment on gays reveals great mercy," said the Rev.