Pope Francis said Sunday that he will not comment on claims by a former Vatican Ambassador to the U.S. that the Pope knew about allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and reinstated him in ministry.
The Pope said people should make up their own minds about the claims.
Asked whether it was true that Archbishop Carlo Viganò, the statement’s author, had informed him in 2013 about McCarrick’s alleged sexual misconduct with priests and seminarians, and if it was true Benedict XVI had previously imposed sanctions on the former cardinal, the Pope said he was distracted by the previous question and would have preferred to talk about the trip.
“I read the statement this morning, and I must tell you sincerely that, I must say this, to you and all those who are interested: Read the statement carefully and make your own judgment,” he answered. “I will not say a single word on this.”
Speaking aboard the Papal plane from Dublin to Rome August 26th, Pope Francis said he believes in the “journalistic capacity to draw your own conclusions,” calling it an “act of faith.”
“When some time passes and you have drawn your conclusions, I may speak. But I would like your professional maturity to do the work for you. It will be good for you,” he told members of the press.
Asked in a follow up question when he first learned about the abuse allegations against McCarrick, Pope Francis responded, “This is part of the statement. Study it and then I will say.”
The Pope was being asked about an 11-page statement published late Saturday, written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who served as Apostolic Nuncio in Washington D.C. from 2011 to 2016.
In his testimony, Viganò claimed that in the late 2000s, Benedict XVI had “imposed on Cardinal McCarrick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis” and that Viganò personally told Pope Francis about those sanctions in 2013.
Viganò claimed that Pope Francis “continued to cover” for McCarrick, and not only did he repeal the sanctions imposed by Benedict, but also made McCarrick “his trusted counselor.”
He claimed that McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, advised the pope to appoint a number of bishops in the United States, including Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, and Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego.
The former Nuncio, who said his “conscience dictates” that the truth be known as “the corruption has reached the very top of the Church’s hierarchy,” called on Pope Francis and other Church officials accused of covering up abuse allegations to resign.
It is remarkable that the Holy Father has chosen to respond to such serious accusations against his character and the Sacred Office that he holds as the Vicar of Christ for the Universal Church.
This is not a game of deciding who is telling the truth.
If ex-Nuncio Vigano has not been honest in his allegations, the Holy Father needs, must deny these accusations and defend the honor and dignity of the Universal Ministry he holds as the Supreme Apostolic Authority of the Body of Christ.
If the ex-Nuncio is accurate in the presentation of the facts, the Holy Father needs, must respond and admit his failings of leadership, his less than honest claims of ignorance and must then decide if the continuance of his Pontificate serves the best interests of the Universal Church.
There is no guessing game to be played.
Truth doesn’t depend upon impressions and conclusions based upon speculations. Truth is one, absolute and universal.
Either the ex-Nuncio has sold his soul to the Devil and caused a great wound to be opened in the Body of Christ based upon lies and deceit or he is telling the truth.
The Pope is owed the right to defend his name and his Office. But he must claim that right by responding with the truth.
The matter here and its consequence and effect upon the People of God is too critical for such a flippant and irresponsible retort to what are perhaps the most serious claims against a sitting Pontiff in the history of the Church.
The People of God are owed an answer.
The Pope is being less than candid and transparent, a fault he has placed at the feet of Bishops whom he said should forfeit the exercise of their ministry for such clericalism and subterfuge.
Now, when the spotlight has been clearly aimed at himself, Pope Francis retreats into the same paradigm of clericalism and deflection.
Such a tactic is beneath the dignity of the Apostolic Office he holds. His response insults the dignity of the Church and the Catholic faithful.
We pray and hope that the Holy Father will come before the Church and come clean. He is either innocent of the accusation level against him or he is guilty.
We, God’s Holy Church need to hear that response directly from him not from journalists nor pundits.
No comments:
Post a Comment