I would like to share an insight which came to my attention by way of a reader’s comments regarding the sex-abuse scandal in Chile and the resignation en masse of all of Chile’s Bishops.
The reader pointed out an “overlooked and simmering problem the needs much more attention”: Pope Francis’ 2015 decision to appoint Bishop Barros to lead the Diocese of Osorno, despite the fact that he had been accused of covering up Father Karadima’s abuse.
In 2011, Father Karadima was removed from active ministry, but victims claim that Priests who witnessed them being abused and said nothing were later made Bishops.
The victims protested the appointment of these Bishops, who did not abuse but allowed a Priest to abuse, referring to Bishop Barros and three other Bishops who were also close to Father Karadima and whose resignations are likely to be accepted by Pope Francis.
The reader suggests that further investigation is needed to understand how the Episcopal appointments were approved despite the candidates’ alleged failure to report misbehavior.
“There are a number of unresolved issues still before the Holy See,” the reader continues.
Whether Pope Francis will go beyond accepting the resignations of some Bishops and actually announce new reforms to address the breakdown in accountability is unclear.
But, the reader insists that the scandal in Chile and other places reflects a fundamental dysfunction within the Vatican as well as a failure to be attentive to the qualities of the Bishops it appoints.
What is needed is not more procedural norms and precepts, but a conversion of spirit which looks not “at who you know, but who you are” in making Bishop appointments.
I heartily concur.
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