PHILADELPHIA—The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is offering an apology to victims of sexual abuse by priests.

The church issued a brief statement Friday after a jury convicted Monsignor William Lynn of child endangerment but acquitted him of conspiracy.

Lynn is the first U.S. church official convicted of a crime for mishandling abuse claims. The jury returned a hung verdict in the case of Lynn's priest co-defendant.

The archdiocese didn't comment directly on the trial but said it is "committed to providing support and assistance to parishioners" and creating a "safe and welcoming" environment to everyone including past victims.

The archdiocese said it offers a "heartfelt apology to all victims of clergy sexual abuse" and vows "to take vigorous steps to ensure safe church environments for all the faithful in Philadelphia."