Angry protests mar installation of Chilean bishop accused of covering up abuse
March 23, 2015
Bishop Juan Barros Madrid was installed on March 21 to head the Diocese of Osorno, Chile, despite angry public protests over his alleged failure to report sexual abuse.
Scores of noisy protesters crowded into the Osorno cathedral during the installation ceremony, and hundreds more gathered outside to voice their opposition to the bishop’s installation. Police were forced to stop some protesters from rushing the altar, and an armed guard escorted the bishop from the cathedral after the ceremony.
The protests against Bishop Barros have mounted since January, when Pope Francis named him to lead the Osorno diocese. Thirty priests of that diocese signed a letter protesting the choice, and dozens of Chilean lawmakers asked the Pontiff to reconsider the appointment. But Archbishop Fernando Chomali of Concepcion, who spoke directly with the Pontiff about the matter, said that after studying the case he “found no reason” to alter his decision.
Victims of a notorious Chilean priest, Father Fernando Karadima, claim that Bishop Barros was aware that Karadima was molesting them, and did nothing to stop the abuse. Bishop Barros has denied that charge, saying: “I never had knowledge of, or could have imagined, the serious abuses that this priest committed against the victims.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Chile bishop ordained amid protest over alleged sex cover-up (AP)
- Angry Protest Over New Bishop in Chile (New York Times)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
Mar. 24, 2015 2:25 PM ET USA
What were the victims doing in Karadima's bedroom in the first place? What was Barros Madrid doing in that bedroom, if not expecting such a scenario to take place?
-
Posted by: meegan2136289 -
Mar. 24, 2015 9:39 AM ET USA
Three victims says that Barron's was present when they were being abused? That's pretty damning, imo. What's disturbing too is that the predator was evidently not laicized. Retiring to a "cloistered life of prayer and penance"? Why not kicked out? Why should good men in religious communities have to live with sex offenders? This is why I no longer support the Church, especially religious communities, financially. The Church shouldn't be a lifelong meal ticket for the violent and dangerous.
