Police searched the offices of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas on Wednesday after an investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against a former priest uncovered claims against others, a police commander said.

A lawsuit against the Vatican was filed on behalf of five men in Minneapolis who were sexually abused by priests when they were minors. The lawsuit calls for the Vatican to release the names of every priest who abused minors and admit engaging in a massive cover-up.

A new documentary called "Tell No One" on the sexual abuse crisis, has shaken the Catholic Church in Poland to its core. The government vows tougher punishments for those who engage in such acts.

The painful experience of the U.S. church and the voices of the faithful worldwide have helped bring about a change in attitude and a change in law. There is no turning back now.

“We would have been far more impressed if this new law required church officials to report to police and prosecutors instead. Oversight from external, secular authorities will better protect children and deter cover-ups.”

Pope Francis today issued a wide-ranging decree, known as a "motu proprio" or executive decree, that lays down procedures and norms for reporting abuse in the church, aimed at the eradication of abuse in the church.