From Catholic News Service:

The report, to be published by the Pontifical Academy for Life, was based on a Vatican-sponsored symposium of scientific experts held last April. It includes the papers delivered at the symposium, summaries of follow-up discussions involving Vatican officials and the experts, and introductory and conclusive chapters.

Catholic News Service obtained a preliminary copy of the report, which was expected to undergo minor editing changes before being sent out to bishops’ conferences in early March.

The report said that while the church has been rocked by the “terrible phenomenon” of sexual abuse it also has some unique advantages when it comes to preventing future abuse — particularly in using psychological techniques more carefully during the long period of seminary training.

It said that in facing the problem church leaders need more contact with scientific experts in the field.