Argentine activist says she was wrong about Pope Francis' role under military regime

November 10, 2014

After meeting with Pope Francis on November 7, an Argentine human-rights activist has said that she was wrong about the future Pontiff’s role in Buenos Aires during the years of military dictatorship.

Estela De Carlotto, the founder of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, had been unenthusiastic when Pope Francis was elected, saying that “Bergoglio belongs to that part of the Church which has cast a shadow over Argentina.” She charged that many bishops cooperated with the military regime and failed to oppose the brutal repression of dissidents.

Now De Carlotto says that she was mistaken, and realizes that then-Father Bergoglio, as a Jesuit provincial, had quietly worked to secure the release of political prisoners.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness,” De Carlotto said about her earlier criticism, “because I was misinformed by what I thought were credible sources.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• 'Abuela' says was 'wrong' about Francis (ANSA)