It’s been two years since the initial release of the Grand Jury report  into child sex abuse by priests in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

In fact, the state Attorney General said Tuesday’s report builds on that earlier investigation.

 A spokesman for the local diocese, Tony DeGol, was among those watching the Attorney General’s news conference.

“What was revealed in that report was horrific for Catholics in this area and I assume Catholics all over Pennsylvania are feeling much the same tonight,” said DeGol.

Diocese Secretary for Communications, Tony DeGol, said the latest report is an opportunity for the voice of the victims to be heard.

“We do believe that the victims need to be heard,” said DeGol. “Their stories need to be told. Many people have suffered greatly and people need to know about that suffering and most importantly the church and everyone else in society needs to learn from their suffering.”

DeGol says the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese High School learned from the investigation into it own behavior. Steps taken since 2016 include a Diocesan Office of Children and Youth Protection, an independent oversight board, educational training programs and ongoing victim/survivor assistance.

He says further steps are planned and that the diocese is committed to ensuring the safety of children, and that will continue forever.