Retired Cardinal Roger Mahony is the man accused of being at the center of the child sex abuse cover up in his diocese.
Valley catholic leaders are shocked by the news. Church leaders say every volunteer or priest who signs up in the Diocese of Fresno is required to undergo a background check.
At least two adults are also required to be in a room when they are alone with a child.
Sheryl Sarkisian said, "I think we all have an awareness that every person and every child has the especially every child has the right to be protected."
Mahony has issued a statement apologizing for his mistakes, saying he had been "naive" about the lasting impacts of abuse.
Local church leaders are asking anyone who may have been the victim of molestation in the past to come forward.
Victims of child sex abuse hotline: 559-493-2882
In the video, Action News reporter Mariana Jacob has complete coverage on the story.
