WHAT DID CARDINAL MARADIAGA KNOW AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT

Speaking about Bishops who knew what and when!

Last week, the Vatican announced the resignation of Honduran Auxiliary Bishop Juan Jose Pineda Fasquelle.

Bishop Pineda’s resignation involved allegations of sexual abuse and misappropriation of finances.

But the story does not begin or end there.  

What is most noteworthy is the Bishop’s relationship with his superior,  Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga, an influential member of Pope Francis’ inner circle, the C9 group of cardinals.

Was the Cardinal acting as Bishop Pineda's protector, intervening with the Holy See on his behalf?

The answer will be forthcoming when Cardinal Maradiaga reveals what he knew and when he came to know about the misdeeds of his Auxiliary Bishop.

Here's what we know thus far.

In May of last year, Pope Francis called for an investigation of the Bishop.  Scores of diocesan staff and Clergy testified to the team, spearheaded by Argentine Bishop Alcides Caseretto, who reported that he was “appalled” by the evidence presented.

Last December, L’Espresso, an Italian scandal-sheet, reported serious allegations regarding Bishop Pineda’s sexual abuse of seminarians as well as indications of financial misconduct.

Then in March of this year, two former seminarians came forward and accused the Bishop of sexual assault. 

What has come to light is that fact that Bishop Pineda’s sexual advances toward seminarians was an “open secret” (very similar to the case of Cardinal McCarrick) among diocesan officials.  

The situation became so intolerable that the seminary’s former rector and his faculty took active steps to keep the Bishop away from the seminary, denying him the opportunity to teach the young men in Priestly formation.

It was also generally known that the Bishop kept a stable of intimate male associates upon who he lavished expensive gifts, going so far as to present one, Erick Cravioto Fajardo, a downtown apartment.

This same individual lived at the Cardinal’s residence, Villa Iris, where Bishop Pineda likewise resided.

Reportedly, Cardinal Maradiaga turned a blind eye to the Bishop’s relationship with Fajardo and, according to diocesan officials, made excuses for it.

In addition, the Bishop has been accused of misappropriating $1.3 million from the Honduran government destined for charitable projects in the diocese, funds never accounted for.

Yet, between last June and the beginning of this year, Bishop Pineda spent more than $18,000 in  air fares, including two separate first-class trips to Madrid in November to meet close male friends. 

When the Vatican announced the Bishop’s resignation, he released a statement saying that he had tendered his resignation to Pope Francis months ago.

What is remarkable about all this is that, to date, the Holy See has taken no action but to accept the Bishop’s resignation.  

No judgment of guilt for criminal misdeeds (sexual or financial) has been rendered by the Vatican.

One must wonder whether Cardinal Maradiaga intervened to protect Bishop Pineda.

Cardinal Maradiaga needs to either explain why he tolerated Bishop Pineda’s misbehavior, or at least explain how he could have been so blind to what was going on for years within his own residence.

The fact is the Church, the People of God, deserve better than this culture of corruption and silence that has infected the very institution of the College of Bishops and brought it such universal shame and scandal.

The veil of secrecy and deception which for so long has protected those in authority from rightful accountability for their misdeeds is being thrown back more and more with each passing horror story of sexual abuse and criminal behavior.

Pope Francis must realize that his silence and hesitancy in removing these brigand-Bishops from office and even from the Clerical state is costing the Church a brace of believers.

Dear Holy Father, you must act now and decisively for the very fabric and future of the Body of Christ is at stake.

May the Holy Spirit give Your Holiness the fortitude and the stamina to rid the Church of this plague of villains who cover themselves in the mantle of the Successors of the Apostles.