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AG Dana Nessel to update investigation into Catholic church sex abuse scandal

Updates expected on 3 state investigations
Posted at 4:52 AM, Feb 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-21 10:44:06-05

(WXYZ) — An update is expected on Thursday about the investigation into possible sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Michigan.

Watch the press conference here at 10:45 a.m.

In August, then-Attorney General Bill Schuette opened an investigation into potential abuse of children by Catholic priests in Michigan.

It was a response to a grand jury report from Pennsylvania, which accused more than 300 priests of sexually abusing more than 1,000 children.

Thursday's update comes as Pope Francis opens a four-day Vatican summit with bishops from around the world to address the scandal.

The Archdiocese of Detroit sent the following statement in regards to the investigation:

"Last month, Archbishop Vigneron wrote to the attorney general to recommit ourselves -- as we did in the fall -- to cooperate fully with the state; to do all we can to protect everyone, especially minors and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse; and offered Archdiocese of Detroit staffers who handle these matters to meet with the attorney general's staff to discuss these common and important concerns for the benefit of Michiganders."

In addition to this investigation, Attorney General Dana Nessel will also give updates on the Michigan State University and Flint investigations.