ARIZONA
News-Sun
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas
Bishop of Tucson
The confirmation of the Diocese of Tucson's Chapter 11 reorganization plan marks the end of one of the saddest of times in the diocese's history.
Who would have believed that any priest would abuse a child? Who would have believed that leaders in the church could have failed to protect children?
Yet, the reality is that in the past 50 years children have experienced a terrible betrayal of trust. This betrayal is inexcusable, indefensible and calls again for a public apology and a firm resolve to do whatever humanly is possible to see this does not happen again.
As Bishop of Tucson, I again make this public apology. I express the firm resolve that this diocese will do whatever is humanly possible to reduce the risk that a child could be abused at a parish or school, at home and even in the larger community.