Portugal's Catholic bishops announce independent child sexual abuse commission

FILE PHOTO: Members of the clergy take part in a procession during the 104th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children at the Catholic shrine of Fatima, Portugal, May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's Roman Catholic Church said on Thursday it would create an independent commission to investigate historical child sexual abuse allegedly committed by members of the clergy following pressure from prominent congregants to lift a veil of silence around the issue.

Portugal's Bishops' Conference said in a statement that it decided to create the commission to improve the way cases are handled and to "carry out a study to clarify the history of this serious issue."