The Attorney General of Illinois says that the Catholic Church has concealed the names of at least 500 priests accused

The Catholic Church of Illinois has concealed the names of at least 500 priests accused of sexual abuse of minors, the state Attorney General said Wednesday in a scathing report accusing the church of dropping victims by neglecting to investigate their allegations.

The preliminary report of the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, concludes that the Catholic dioceses of Illinois are unable to conduct their own research and that they "will not resolve the crisis of sexual abuse committed by the clergy".

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said in a statement, "I wish to reiterate the deep regret of the entire church for our failures to deal with the scourge of sexual abuse by religious

"It's the courage of the victims and survivors who cast a thick light on this dark chapter. in the history of the church. "

Ms. Madigan, a Democrat who served four terms as Attorney General of Illinois and daughter of the powerful and former Speaker of the House, has long since left power. She chose not to represent herself.

Kwame Raoul, a Democratic colleague who will replace Ms. Madigan in January, said she is determined to continue the investigation opened by Ms. Madigan. He said he would work closely with state attorneys on the issue.

"The news of today demonstrates the need for continued diligence in the investigation of crimes against children committed in institutions that have not been investigated. History of unilateral and proactive transparency, "he said. in a statement in which he congratulates Ms. Madigan for having opened the investigation.