This is from today’s on-line version of the NCR. Press title for the article. We might criticize the NCR for many things, but when it comes to the sex abuse scandal, they share credit for exposing it very early in the 1980’s.
Pope Francis who doggedly supported Bishop Barros whom he appointed a bishop in Chile, only relented in his support of him and his critical attitude toward those who accused him of malfeasance , after the Pope’s disastrous and violent trip to Chile.
I suspect this developing story is of much concern to the editors of the NCR:
New Vatican doctrinal chief admits mistakes in handling abuse allegations against priest
4 comments:
We have missed opportunities to develop effective ways of dealing with these problems as we swung from protecting religious to knee jerk condemnation. The Bishop probably had no idea what to do and was probably not supported with good advice. At the same time he seems a little tone deaf and subjective in his views. It would be a good idea to help him find his way as a person in a very public position to serve as an example to others who need to address this problem.
Father McDonald said..."Pope Francis who doggedly supported Bishop Barros whom he appointed a bishop in Chile, only relented in his support of him and his critical attitude toward those who accused him of malfeasance, after the Pope’s disastrous and violent trip to Chile."
Pope Francis "dogged" support for Bishop Barros resulted as the Pope had been given false information designed to hide Bishop Barros' knowledge of the sexual abuse in question. Pope Francis had received a lack of "truthful and balanced information."
From Pope Francis' press conference on his way home from Chile:
"Now, the case of Bishop Barros. It is a case where I called for an examination, an investigation, which was thorough.
"Really, there is no evidence – I use the word “evidence”, because later I want to talk about “proof” – there is no evidence of guilt, nor does it appear that there will be any, because there is consistency on the other side.
"So it’s on the basis of this lack of evidence that I am waiting for some evidence to make me change my position; otherwise I apply the basic rule of every court of law: nemo malus nisi probetur, no one is guilty until proven otherwise."
From news reports:
"Yet Juan Carlos (Cruz) (a victim of the sexual abuse in question) and the others persisted, and finally Pope Francis sent Archbishop Charles Scicluna and the Rev. Jordi Bertomeu to Chile to carry out an investigation."
"Their findings changed the pope’s mind and led to massive upheaval in Chile."
"Pope Francis invited Mr. Cruz, Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Murillo to the Vatican, asked their forgiveness and encouraged them to continue their advocacy on behalf of the survivors of abuse and the protection of minors."
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The above demonstrates Pope Francis' humility.
Juan Carlos Cruz told reporters: "it was clear that the pope was misinformed."
In 2021 A.D., Pope Francis appointed Juan Carlos Cruz As a member of the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors. Juan Carlos Cruz declared, "I am very grateful to Pope Francis @Pontifex for trusting me with this appointment. I deeply appreciate it."
Juan Carlos Cruz has praised Pope Francis as having great concern for victims of sexual abuse.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Four months ago, Juan Carlos Cruz, sexual abuse victim, as well as a key figure in regard to the Bishop Barros' case, had written the following for National Catholic Reporter:
-- I'm an abuse survivor. Pope Francis met with me and changed my life.
https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/im-abuse-survivor-pope-francis-met-me-and-changed-my-life
March 6, 2023 A.D.
Excerpts:
"I met Francis one day during a battle of years with so many church leaders who — as some still do — had tried to silence me and so many survivors about the horrors of abuse. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to speak to Francis directly."
"...we met in the hallways of the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse, where — to my surprise — I encountered a man who was humble and ready to listen to whatever I was going to say."
"We sat for three-and-a-half hours in a room where I told him about what they had done to me and to many others, and the machinations of the leadership of the church."
"I spoke about those church leaders — many bishops and cardinals who seemed more like wolves instead of shepherds — who destroy the most sacred things a human being has: our belief, our faith and our dignity.
"As we traveled through the pain, his face, his posture and his occasional words felt sincere, unlike others who through the years had just pretended to listen."
"Through the years, I have come to know and understand a pope who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. A man who wants to change so much — and as he does, he realizes how much there is still to do. From the outside, I feel the frustration when I see those who say yes to his face but, when they go back to their dioceses or offices, change nothing."
"I am amazed at this man who walks to where others want to run away, who exalts those who are poor and marginalized, and who is not afraid to speak his mind in the face of injustice."
"And when I am discouraged and I talk to him, his sense of humor can lift me up. He is the only person in the world who after every interaction I have with him it feels like the first time we've met."
"I do think he knows that there are millions around the world who have been touched by his love and love him back."
"I am not saying that he is perfect or that he has solved everything that needs to be solved, but who is and who does? He sincerely tries. I see it when he invites, cares and loves everyone."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
That is consistent with my view that the Holy Father gets led around by the wrong sorts. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
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