The number of permanent deacons in the Catholic Church has steadily grown, to more than 18,000 in the U.S. and more than 45,000 worldwide.

Father Rossi says he recently shared his story with his bishop, who supports his decision to speak out, and with his parish.

In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Santiago July 24, Cardinal Ezzati said he was committed to helping victims "search for the truth" and denied any wrongdoing.

Amid controversy caused by a Vatican official's assertions that priests "have no credibility" in marriage preparation, representatives from dioceses across the United States maintain that both priests and laity have integral roles in the process.

Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, head of the Vatican office for laity and family, said he was "shocked" when he heard allegations of years of sexual abuse and harassment by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, the man who ordained him a bishop and whom he served as an auxiliary bishop for six years.

Archbishop Hunthausen lived simply and humbly. He listened and served. And he extended Christ’s mercy and love to all, especially the poor, the suffering and the forgotten.