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Archbishop & Archdiocese Statements

History & Transparency

Archbishop Aquila: Update on completion of independent review & reparations process

December 1, 2020

The conclusion of this process does not mean our work is done. As Catholics, we must re-affirm our commitment to never becoming complacent, and as a Church, that we will continue to pray for all survivors and their families…. READ MORE

Archbishop Aquila: Update on Independent Reparations Program

October 20, 2020

On behalf of myself and the Church, I am deeply sorry for the pain and hurt that was caused by the abuse you suffered. I remain steadfastly committed to meeting with any survivor who desires to meet with me and doing everything I can so that the problems of the past never repeat themselves…. READ MORE

The Archdiocese of Denver’s new Clergy Misconduct Advisory Committee

December 17, 2019

Hopefully the CMAC will give the faithful confidence that the Archdiocese of Denver has responded to the alleged misconduct with appropriate seriousness and reparative measures, while still being able to maintain the right balance of privacy for all involved… READ MORE

Independent Review Report: A message from Archbishop Aquila

October 23, 2019

We must face the past and learn from it, and we must know if our children are safe today. Thanks to our ongoing vigilance, they are. A year ago, I made a promise that the Archdiocese of Denver would not hide from the past and must face the historical sexual abuse of minors by its diocesan priests… READ MORE

Message from Archbishop on opening of reparations program

October 7, 2019

No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, we hope anyone who is still suffering in silence will be encouraged to come forward. If any survivor also wishes to meet personally with me, my door will be open. READ MORE

Letter from Archbishop on opening of reparations program

October 7, 2019

The damage done to innocent young people and their families by sexual abuse in the past is profound. I realize, as you do, that no program, however well-intentioned and well-designed, can fully repair the damage done to victims and their families. But I pray that this new program might provide another avenue toward healing and hope. READ MORE

Repenting and renewing our role as shepherds

June 20, 2019 – Archbishop Aquila’s column on June USCCB Meetings

This past week my fellow U.S. bishops and I sought to act as good shepherds by approving three measures to increase our vigilance and prevention of the evil of sexual abuse by bishops, shepherds who have betrayed the flock entrusted to them. READ MORE

Fasting, weeping and mourning for the Church

March 7, 2019 – Archbishop Aquila’s column on the need for purification in the Church

These days the Church is undergoing purification on a much larger scale. As we become increasingly aware of the impact and reach of sexual abuse in the Church and in society, the need for all Catholics and people of good will to reach out to God the Father for his healing and forgiveness becomes apparent. READ MORE

Seeking Healing and Justice for Survivors

February 19, 2019 – Archbishop Aquila’s column on agreement with Colorado Attorney General

Last year I made a public promise that the Archdiocese of Denver would be transparent about our handling, prevention and response to the sexual abuse of minors by priests. We have worked to deliver on that promise, and today we are making public two fruits of that effort for all three dioceses that cover Colorado….READ MORE

Archbishop’s letter on agreement with Colorado Attorney General

February 19, 2019

I ask you to join me in praying for all victims and for our ongoing efforts to bring healing and reconciliation to the survivors of sexual abuse as minors. May Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life guide us and may we keep our eyes fixed on him who alone can bring healing and peace. READ MORE

Crisis response must remember the spiritual stakes

November 21, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila’s Denver Catholic column after the November bishops’ meetings

Everyone expected the meeting of bishops this past week to be monumentally important, but no one expected the Vatican to intervene the way it did. Even though I was disappointed that my fellow bishops and I could not vote on accountability measures, the situation underscored the dual spiritual realities that souls are at stake and that we bishops serve with and under the Holy Father….READ MORE

Faith: the antidote to despair

September 26, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila’s Denver Catholic column focusing on our faith during these challenging times

“The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us,” St. John Chrysostom once preached. “But we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus.” READ MORE

The Church needs the Spirit of Truth

September 6, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila’s Denver Catholic column focusing on the need for the truth of the past to be revealed. 

I have said to the Lord, “I don’t care how messy it gets, as long as the truth prevails. Purify the heart and conscience, O Lord, of every disciple with your Spirit of Truth, so they will seek to follow only your will, Father… That every disciple may come to know you, love you and serve you alone!” READ MORE

Addressing the USCCB Statement

August 30, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila supports USCCB Executive Committee’s call for independent investigation

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has issued the following letter expressing his support for USCCB President Cardinal Daniel DiNardo’s and the Executive Committee’s call for an independent investigation in the wake of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano’s testimony released earlier this week…READ MORE

Addressing the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

August 18, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila’s letter in response to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

I write to you today with great sadness to respond to yet another scandal that has shaken the Church. Even though many of the details in the Grand Jury Report in Pennsylvania had already been reported, the full release was still undeniably shocking and its contents devasting to read. We face the undeniable fact that the Church has gone through a dark and shameful time, and while a clear majority of the Report addresses incidents occurring 20+ years in the past, we know that sin has a lasting impact and amends need to be made…READ MORE

Addressing the accusations against Archbishop McCarrick

August 13, 2018 – Archbishop Aquila’s letter to the Archdiocese of Denver on the abuse crisis

This past week I was on my annual silent retreat and the accusations against Archbishop McCarrick were a part of my prayer. Faithful have written to me and have asked questions about the situation. Some have felt that the Lord has abandoned the Church. Other bishops have spoken out on this tragedy, and today I offer to you, the faithful of the archdiocese and my brother priests and deacons, the following reflections….READ MORE