Pope Francis has downplayed expectations about the Feb. 21-24 summit at the Vatican on the sexual abuse crisis, but many hope it is a step toward a system with more accountability.

Two top Catholic Charities USA leaders outlined some of the short-term and long-term goals for the organization and its affiliates throughout the country Feb. 3 in Washington.

In a show of openness, transparency and a hope for healing, Bishop Michael G. Duca of Baton Rouge released Jan. 31 the names of all priests, a former bishop of the diocese, and one former seminarian "against whom there are credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors and/or vulnerable adults in the Diocese of Baton Rouge."

The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has released the names of 37 clergy members it says were credibly accused of sexually abusing children or vulnerable adults.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio repeatedly called the release "the just and right thing to do," and that it is a "move forward in building a healthier community, a healthier society."

Gov. Ron DeSantis has earned cautious praise from environmental groups who say the commitment is a substantive step forward on water quality issues and underlying Everglades restoration challenges.