Catholic Church will not apologize to Duplessis orphans

The Roman Catholic Church in Quebec has again refused to apologize to the Duplessis orphans who claim they were sexually abused and beaten in psychiatric institutions run by the Church.

On Monday, the orphans urged Quebecers to boycott the Sunday collection. They were once again asking for an apology and compensation from the church for abuse they say they suffered between 1940 and 1960.

Msgr. Pierre Morissette, head of the Assembly of Quebec Bishops told a news conference in Montreal that an apology would constitute a rejection of past work done in difficult circumstances by the religious orders.

"It would betray the work of those who dedicated their lives to the poorest in society," Morissette said.

Morissette said the church will not turn its back on the orphans and will continue to help them to reintegrate into society.

The Duplessis Orphans were poor or illegitimate children who were made wards of the state between 1940 and 1960 when Maurice Duplessis was premier of Quebec.

They have been fighting for seven years for recognition of their mistreatment. In March, the Quebec government announced an aid package for the orphans and offered an apology for the abuse they suffered. But many criticized the offer, saying it didn't go far enough.