BOSTON (CBS/AP) – Phil Saviano, a clergy sex abuse survivor and whistleblower who played a key role in exposing decades of cannibal attacks by priests Roman Catholic has passed away. He was 69 years old.
Saviano’s story featured prominently in the 2015 Academy Award-winning film “Spotlight” about The Boston Globe’s investigation that revealed the score of priests who sexually abused children and left for leaders. church religion covered it up.
Saviano played a central role in unraveling the scandal, which resulted in the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston and the church settlements with hundreds of victims. He is also an outspoken critic of the Vatican’s reluctance to fully address the explosion.
Saviano died of bladder cancer on Saturday, according to his brother and carer.
Members of the clerical sexual abuse community will meet Monday outside Holy Cross Church in Boston at 11:15 a.m. to honor Saviano.
“Spotlight” won the Oscar for best picture and best original screenplay.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. Associated Press contributed to this report.)
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/11/29/phil-saviano-clergy-sex-abuse-survivor-whistleblower-dies-spotlight-movie/ Phil Saviano, Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivor and Whistleblower, Dies at 69 – CBS Boston
