Catholic World News
CDF official: laity have right to turn to nuncio
June 21, 2011
The lay faithful “must know that they can turn to the nuncio when there are issues that have repercussions in the pastoral ministry of bishops,” according to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s promoter of justice.
At a June 18 news conference devoted to an upcoming conference on the clerical abuse scandal, Msgr. Charles Scicluna was asked, “And when the bishops are not good shepherds, what can be done?” He replied:
On giving bishops parameters for action, the Circular Letter sent by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith represents a very strong sign on the part of the Holy See. When we receive bishops on their "ad limina" visits we realize that there is a widespread awareness of the problem and also of the Pope's position in this regard. Moreover, each faithful has the right to express his concern about the diocese directly to the Holy See, through the nuncio. My work has made me appreciate very much the activity of the nuncios, who represent to the local community, not only to the governments, the closeness of the Holy Father.
People must know that they can turn to the nuncio when there are issues that have repercussions in the pastoral ministry of bishops, but not to denounce them, but to say: "We have confidence in the ministry of Peter, which the nuncio represents; we have a concern, and we have the duty, not just the right, to present it to Peter." This possibility also forms part of the education of the ecclesial community.
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