Pope has Canadian bishops’ ‘absolute support and confidence’
March 31, 2010
Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton said at a March 30 press conference that the Canadian bishops have offered the Holy See the “absolute support and confidence of ... all the bishops of Canada in the clear and decisive leadership of the Holy Father at this time.”
“As the scandal unfolds, some media reports are even claiming that the Holy Father himself has been negligent in his leadership pertaining to these heinous crimes,” Archbishop Smith preached in a March 29 homily. “[Critics] should be aware that people who have examined closely the media reports are raising their voices in his defense, pointing out that they are based largely upon misrepresentation of the facts.”
“Any impartial observer can see that Pope Benedict is deeply troubled by the harm that has been done to young people,” he added. “He does not hesitate to manifest his sorrow and empathy to victims. And he has clearly demonstrated his resolve, both before and after assuming the papal office, to confront this problem and lead the Church on 'a path of healing, renewal and reparation.'”
“The bishops of Canada affirm our complete confidence in the strong and decisive leadership he has shown and continues to show when dealing with this terrible problem.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
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!
