Vatican investigation focuses on Cardinal O'Brien, misconduct in Scottish archdiocese
April 04, 2014
The Vatican is conducting a full investigation into charges of sexual misconduct by clergy in Archdiocese of Edinburgh.
Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the former head of the Scottish archdiocese, stepped down in February 2012 after admitting to sexual misconduct. At the time of his resignation, there were charges of more widespread homosexual activity among the priests of the archdiocese.
Archbishop Leo Cushley, the new leader of the Edinburgh archdiocese, wrote to his priests to inform them of the Vatican investigation. The National Catholic Reporter obtained copies of the archbishop’s messages. In them, Archbishop Cushley says that a Vatican investigator will listen to priests’ reports “concerning any incidents of sexual misconduct committed against them by other members of the clergy whatsoever.”
The investigation will be conducted by Bishop Charles Scicluna, an auxiliary of Malta, who was previously the Vatican’s chief prosecutor in sex-abuse cases. Bishop Scicluna, who has a reputation for aggressive investigation, was responsible for the probe that led to disciplinary action against the late Father Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ.
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Further information:
- Disgraced cardinal's archdiocese subject of Vatican investigation (National Catholic Reporter)
- Vatican appoints Bishop Scicluna to investigate clergy sexual misconduct in Scotland (Malta Independent)
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Posted by: normnuke -
Apr. 05, 2014 11:58 AM ET USA
This is good, good news. Let it not stay in Scotland. May it darry a while in Los Angeles?
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Posted by: ElizabethD -
Apr. 04, 2014 11:34 PM ET USA
It would probably have been helpful to do something like this in the Milwaukee Diocese after the removal of Abp Rembert Weakland.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Apr. 04, 2014 5:19 PM ET USA
Unfortunately O'Brien's entire career as bishop, including his elevation to the cardinalate, took place under John Paul II. Once more we are reminded that JP II's administration of the papacy was bifurcated, that while it was certainly an era of brilliant teaching, it was equally a time of woefully inadequate administration. O'Brien, Maciel, and heaven only knows how many more deviants took advantage of the incompetency in Rome. This cost us billions and put the Church's mission in danger.
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Posted by: Frodo1945 -
Apr. 04, 2014 2:53 PM ET USA
Bishop Scicluna will do a thorough job, I am confident. Now, who is going to investigate how O'Brien got to be a Cardinal?
