My Father the Priest

Around the world, thousands of children have been fathered by supposedly celibate Catholic priests. Most are never acknowledged. Those whose paternity does become known are often shamed into silence. Some have been forced to sign confidentiality agreements, other discovered in adulthood that their mothers became pregnant as a result of sexual assaults.

Hugh Costello talks to people in two countries where such cases are widespread – the Philippines and Uganda – and meets the children of priests as they struggle to gain recognition and respect. A new campaigning group is using DNA testing and documentation searches to hold priests – and their bishops – to account. But as the Vatican under Pope Francis continues to reject calls for priests to be allowed to marry, how willing is the church to put the needs of the children above those of the institution?

(Photo: Priests stand during a weekly general audience of Pope Francis at St Peter's Square. Credit: Gabriel Bouys/AFP)