A Massachusetts attorney general’s report has revealed that over a century, more than 270 Catholic clerics in the dioceses of Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester sexually abused nearly 1,000 children. The investigation, released Wednesday, highlights longstanding institutional failures within these dioceses to prevent abuse or adequately address allegations.

The inquiry found that church officials were aware of abuse by priests and other personnel but often failed to respond effectively. Despite reforms implemented after the public revelations in the early 2000s—most notably within the Archdiocese of Boston—abusive priests were sometimes allowed to continue ministry for years, with suspensions handled quietly and without informing parish communities.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell emphasized the profound human impact behind the numbers, noting the lasting trauma endured by survivors and their families. The report draws parallels to earlier revelations from Boston, identifying recurring patterns such as cover-ups, transferring accused priests between parishes, use of coded language to discuss pedophilia, and inadequate treatment of offenders.

Leaders of the three dioceses responded to the report by expressing openness to review its findings and strengthen protections for children. Some ecclesiastical officials stressed that many cases cited date back several decades, at times predating laws that criminalized such abuse under Massachusetts statutes.

The report also calls on state lawmakers to lift statutes of limitations on civil claims related to child sexual abuse and to permit individuals whose claims have expired an opportunity to seek legal remedies. While some Catholic dioceses nationwide have published lists of clergy credibly accused of abuse, the Diocese of Worcester has yet to do so, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about transparency and public safety.

Experts and advocacy groups pointed out that the new report identifies significantly more accused clergy than previous records indicated and raised issues about the whereabouts of these individuals and potential ongoing risks.

Most of the documented abuse occurred before 2002, placing many incidents beyond the reach of criminal prosecution due to expired legal time limits. The report underscores ongoing challenges in holding perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable populations within church communities.