As 2019 begins, all eyes in the Vatican are turned towards the upcoming summit on sexual abuse, and recent weeks have brought a number of stories that reveal how Pope Francis aims to lead the church on this issue.

First, the Vatican confirmed this past weekend that it is investigating a third accusation of abuse against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Gerry O’Connell and I look at how—and why—the Vatican is expediting that investigation.

Next, we examine the American bishops’ retreat, which they held at the behest of Pope Francis. The pope sent the Vatican’s top preacher, along with a personal letter to guide the retreatants in their reflection.

Finally, Gerry and I look at the resignation of the director and deputy director of the Vatican’s press office, and what challenges the interim director will face as he coordinates media coverage of February’s summit on sexual abuse.

Read more:

• Will the Vatican’s summit on sexual abuse make a difference?
• The Vatican may be deciding fate of former Cardinal McCarrick
• Pope Francis to U.S. bishops on retreat: Abuse crisis requires conversion and humility
• Director and deputy director of Vatican press office resign on last day of 2018

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