Marie Keenan
Prof. Marie Keenan is a prominent researcher and academic at University College Dublin, best known for her work on child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. In her influential book, 'Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church,' she explores the psychological complexities faced by priests, suggesting that the pressures of seminary training may contribute to abusive behaviors. Keenan's research has challenged conventional narratives about the motivations of abusers, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing these issues.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Professor Marie Keenan, school of social policy, social work and social justice at University College Dublin, is co-author with Prof Anne-Marie McAlinden and Dr James Gallen of Transforming Justice Responses to Non-Recent Institutional Abuses.
Commission of inquiry into abuse in day and boarding schools must become truly survivor-centred – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-08-10
Prof Marie Keenan theorised that some priests who aspired to priestly perfection were so conflicted by seminary demands on them that they resorted to child sexual abuse.
Commission on abuse in schools must examine how seminary training formed perpetrators – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-12
