Members of papal abuse commission worried by Chilean bishop's appointment
March 26, 2015
Members of a papal commission on sexual abuse have expressed serious misgivings about the appointment of a Chilean bishop who has been accused of failing to report an abusive priest, the Associated Press reports.
Marie Collins, an abuse victim who serves on the papal commission, said that the installation of Bishop Juan Barros Madrid in Osorno, Chile, “goes completely against what [Pope Francis] has said in the past about those who protect abusers.” Catherine Bonnet, a French child psychiatrist, agreed, saying that she is “very worried” about the appointment and hopes to convey her concern to the Pontiff.
Bishop Barros, who was installed last weekend in the Osorno diocese despite loud public protests, is accused by several victims of protecting a notorious abuser, Father Fernando Karadima, who was the bishop’s friend.
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Further information:
- Pope's sex abuse commission alarmed by bishop appointment (AP)
- Angry protests mar installation of Chilean bishop accused of covering up abuse (CWN, 3/23)
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