Washington Post editorial chides Pope for lack of progress on abuse accountability
April 20, 2016
In an April 20 editorial, the Washington Post has expressed disappointment over the failure of the Vatican to take major strides in the handling of sexual abuse.
While praising Pope Francis for his overall leadership, the Post observed that to date his plan for a new Vatican tribunal that would hold bishops accountable for their negligence “has come to naught.” The editorial continued: “Not a single bishop has been called to account by the tribunal, which itself remains more notional than real”
The Post remarked that during his visit to the US last year, the Pope had spoken of the “pain” the American bishops have suffered because of the abuse scandal. That sympathy seemed “perverse,” the editorial said, “when the real suffering has been borne by children.”
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Posted by: brenda22890 -
Apr. 21, 2016 9:28 AM ET USA
I really have no patience for those who can only see one side of the coin. We need to be in genuine solidarity with ALL who have suffered because of the minority of abusive priests and negligent bishops. Some of those who have suffered are faithful priests and bishops.
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Posted by: unum -
Apr. 20, 2016 10:42 PM ET USA
If true, the editorial updates and repeats the real failure of the U.S. hierarchy and the Vatican to take serious action. We read regular reports of diocesan bankruptcies and financial difficulties, but little about serious action to identify the guilty, sever their connections with the Church, and refer their cases to civil authorities.
