Roman Catholic priests in abuse cover up claim

Eight new lawsuits allege the archdiocese of Philadelphia covered up child sex assault allegations made against seven Roman Catholic priests.

The civil lawsuits were being filed yesterday by nine plaintiffs.

Lawyers say their clients decided to come forward when former archdiocesan official Monsignor William Lynn was convicted of child endangerment and received a three- to six-year prison sentence. The 61-year-old Lynn is the first US church official convicted of endangering children by keeping predator priests in ministry.

He served as secretary for clergy at the Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1992 to 2004. Named in the latest lawsuits are Lynn, Archbishop Charles Chaput, Cardinal Justin Rigali and the priests accused of sexual abuse.

AP