Hormone disruptors are substances that interfere with growth, mood, reproduction, and other vital bodily functions. The flame retardants and phthalates measured in the study fall into this category and have been linked to impaired memory, learning disorders, behavioral issues, and lower IQ scores. Some are also linked to childhood cancer and asthma. Several of the UV filters identified are also hormone disruptors.

A bishop appointed last year to the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops allowed in 2000 a priest who sexually abused minors to live in a Chicago rectory around the corner from a Catholic school — in a residence Cardinal Blase Cupich later said was not appropriate for priests accused of abuse.

The Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops is charged with overseeing investigations into bishops accused of negligence, cover-ups, or improperly handling clerical sexual abuse allegations.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Feb. 26 that in September 2000, Fr. James Ray was permitted to live at St. John Stone Friary, a house of the Chicago province of the Augustinian religious order. The friary is half a block from a parish elementary school.

According to diocesan records, the move required approval by now-Bishop Robert Prevost, who was then an Augustinian provincial superior.