Published: Wednesday, 25 January 2023 11:16:39 AM

Revised and Updated 24/03/2026

If your matter involves women or girls at any stage, proceed with caution—particularly when engaging female lawyers or others raised in the Catholic system as children or born into the religion. The Vatican has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of defending the institution vigorously in such cases, doubling down wherever possible.

The Church has historically devoted vast resources to concealing abuses, with a particular emphasis on those involving or perpetrated by women clergy (such as nuns). Many observers and reports contend that this secrecy surrounding abuses by or against female religious has been maintained even more rigorously than the scandals involving the rape of women and girls by male and (in fewer cases) female clergy. While the global focus has long been on male priests, documented instances of nuns committing physical, psychological, and sexual abuse in institutions like orphanages, schools, and laundries have emerged in national inquiries—though often overshadowed. 1 - 2

A largely hidden dimension of these scandals concerns the children of Catholic clergy (often called “children of the ordained”). Initial estimates from Vincent Doyle—founder of the support network Coping International and himself the son of a priest—indicate that around 50,000 such children are thought to exist worldwide, drawn from self-reported cases across 175 countries. This figure is widely regarded as conservative due to intense institutional secrecy, shame, and pressure on families; it likely represents far less than the typical under-10% reporting rate seen in sexual abuse and related scandals (especially those involving male perpetrators or victims). The Vatican has maintained internal, largely secret guidelines for handling priests who father children, often prioritizing quiet financial support or relocation over transparency, as revealed in investigative reporting. 3 - 4

This toxic and criminal cover-up culture is perpetuated not only by the hierarchy but also by many lay members still sitting in the pews. A disproportionate share of the Church’s ongoing income derives from elderly women—often widows who inherit from husbands who typically die earlier. These women have long been a primary source of tithing, donations, and bequests, helping sustain religious orders (including the costly care of aging nuns, which exceeds $1 billion annually in the U.S. alone). 5

The institution’s priorities frequently revolve around preserving revenue streams and acquiring or protecting property. Critics argue this has involved pressuring or encouraging laity—particularly devout women—to direct assets to the Church, sometimes at the expense of their own children and inadvertently turning families into accomplices in what amounts to defrauding heirs. Historically, the Church has been accused of exploiting women’s piety for financial gain while, when opportunities arose amid power imbalances, using them for sexual gratification. Broader patterns of asset shielding to avoid victim compensation in abuse cases further underscore these incentives. 6

Key researched context and sources (for full transparency):

• Children of clergy: Doyle’s estimates and Vatican guidelines confirmed in multiple outlets (2019 reporting). The problem remains vastly under-discussed compared to direct child sexual abuse by clergy.
• Abuse involving nuns: Pope Francis publicly acknowledged clerical sexual abuse of nuns (including “sexual slavery” cases leading to the 2005 dissolution of a French congregation under Pope Benedict), describing it as ongoing in some regions and rooted in a “culture of silence and secrecy.” Cases of nuns as perpetrators appear in inquiries (e.g., Ireland’s mother-and-baby homes, limited percentages in Australia’s Royal Commission), but systemic data shows male clergy dominate overall abuse statistics.
• Financial aspects: U.S. bishops’ appeals highlight reliance on lay donations for elderly religious; international scandals (e.g., Ireland) have involved calls for asset seizures over unfulfilled redress. 7
• See also: Interview with Emeritus Professor Freda Briggs 2006

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