Lithuanian president: Prayers insufficient amid clergy sex abuse scandal

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has responded strongly to recent revelations concerning priests accused of sexual abuse against minors. He declared that in such grave situations, prayers are not enough, stressing the necessity for concerted action from both the Catholic Church and state institutions.

Nausėda characterized the alleged actions of the priests as not merely criminal but as "crimes against humanity." This strong condemnation underscores the severity with which the Lithuanian government views these accusations and the potential institutional failures involved.

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we cannot just believe in prayers

The president's statement calls for a dual approach: the Church must undertake its own internal reforms and accountability measures, while the state must ensure legal processes are followed and justice is served. This dual effort is presented as essential to address the scandal and protect vulnerable individuals, reflecting a demand for robust institutional responses beyond spiritual solace.

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The actions of the priests can be considered crimes against humanity.