PORTLAND (OR)
San Luis Obispo Tribune
WILLIAM McCALL
Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. - San Francisco Archbishop William Levada agreed Wednesday to waive diplomatic immunity and answer questions about sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests after he takes over the Vatican post formerly held by Pope Benedict XVI.
Levada, 69, is heading to Rome to take over as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the official guardian of Catholic doctrine. He replaces German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who held the post for 24 years before he became pope in April.
During a farewell Mass last Sunday in San Francisco, Levada was served with a subpoena to take his deposition on Friday.
But Erin Olson, a Portland attorney who represents Oregon victims of alleged priest sex abuse, said Wednesday that Levada has agreed to accept U.S. Bankruptcy Court jurisdiction over his deposition after he assumes his Vatican post.