— ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cardinal rebukes pope over sex abuse comments
Pope Francis’ top adviser on clerical sex abuse implicitly rebuked the pontiff over his accusations of slander against Chilean abuse victims, saying Saturday that his words were “a source of great pain for survivors.”
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the archbishop of Boston, said such expressions had the effect of relegating victims to “discredited exile.”
Francis set off an uproar Thursday when he accused victims of Chile’s most notorious pedophile priest of having slandered Bishop Juan Barros. The victims say Barros knew of the abuse by Rev. Fernando Karadima but did nothing to stop it.
Cardinal O'Malley reaffirms Pope's commitment to abuse victims
In a statement, Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, says "Pope Francis fully recognizes the egregious failures of the Church and it’s clergy who abused children".
Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, reaffirmed Pope Francis' commitment to victims of clerical sexual abuse in a statement published on the Boston Catholic website on Saturday.
In the statement, the Cardinal confirms how Pope Francis "fully recognizes the egregious failures of the Church and it’s clergy who abused children".
Please find below the full text of Cardinal O'Malley's statement:
"It is understandable that Pope Francis’ statements yesterday in Santiago, Chile were a source of great pain for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy or any other perpetrator. Words that convey the message “if you cannot prove your claims then you will not be believed” abandon those who have suffered reprehensible criminal violations of their human dignity and relegate survivors to discredited exile.
Not having been personally involved in the cases that were the subject of yesterday’s interview I cannot address why the Holy Father chose the particular words he used at that time. What I do know, however, is that Pope Francis fully recognizes the egregious failures of the Church and it’s clergy who abused children and the devastating impact those crimes have had on survivors and their loved ones.
Accompanying the Holy Father at numerous meetings with survivors I have witnessed his pain of knowing the depth and breadth of the wounds inflicted on those who were abused and that the process of recovery can take a lifetime. The Pope’s statements that there is no place in the life of the Church for those who would abuse children and that we must adhere to zero tolerance for these crimes are genuine and they are his commitment.
My prayers and concern will always be with the survivors and their loved ones. We can never undo the suffering they experienced or fully heal their pain. In some cases we must accept that even our efforts to offer assistance can be a source of distress for survivors and that we must quietly pray for them while providing support in fulfillment of our moral obligation. I remain dedicated to work for the healing of all who have been so harmed and for vigilance in doing all that is possible to ensure the safety of children in the community of the Church so that these crimes never happen again."
6 comments:
I would not walk across the street to hear this Pope say Mass...even if Salma Hayek was standing by him in a bikini.
How long before Francis turns on O’Malley? I bet next week some allegations, out of nowhere will be made against the cardinal, and he will be pushed aside like Burke and Sarah and the rest.
Gene, LOL - Comedy Gold!!
His Holiness Pope Francis said:
"The day someone brings me proof against Bishop Barros, then I will talk. But there is not one single piece of evidence. It is all slander. Is that clear?"
-- What evidence exists against Bishop Barros in regard to the allegation against him?
-- Has Holy Mother Church found Bishop Barros guilty of the charge in question that certain folks have leveled against him?
-- The Church teaches the following:
CCC, 2477: "Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty: of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
2479: "Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one's neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity."
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In light of the above teachings, His Holiness Pope Francis' comments in question are valid. Correct?
Pope Francis: "The day someone brings me proof against Bishop Barros, then I will talk. But there is not one single piece of evidence. It is all slander. Is that clear?"
Again, where is the proof against Bishop Barros? When was Bishop Barros found guilty of the accusation against him?
Perhaps Pope Francis will address the "controversy" that has developed in regard to his comments related to Bishop Barros. But his comments in question are 100 percent Catholic.
We are not permitted to label Bishop Barros as "guilty" without proof that he is guilty. We must not join the lynch mob that has formed against Bishop Barros.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Anonymous said..."How long before Francis turns on O’Malley? I bet next week some allegations, out of nowhere will be made against the cardinal, and he will be pushed aside like Burke and Sarah and the rest."
Who pushed Cardinals Burke and Sarah aside? The last time that I checked, they remained very much a part of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals Burke and Sarah continue to assist Pope Francis in performing God's work.
Cardinals Burke and Sarah continue to speak freely within the Church. They continue their work in loyal fashion to God and His Roman Pontiff.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Gene, I dunno... If this ever were to happen, I might just have to leave you by yourself, bro..
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