By Bobby Anthony
Mid Day
March 31, 2010
http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/mar/310310-mumbai-catholics-reaction-vatican-paedophilia-scandals.htm
INDIA -- The opinion seem to be divided over how the Vatican is treating paedophilia scandals
Even as Good Friday approaches, Catholics in Mumbai have begun reacting to Western media reports about allegations against Pope Benedict XVI and his brother, which accuse them of protecting priests involved in child sex abuse.
"I don't deny that there are cases of paedophile priests. But there has been no attempt to shield any such priest. We live in the age of legal activism and openness, and it would be a generalisation to say that Catholics are asking the Pope to step down, which is not fair," said Fr Anthony Charanghat, director, Catholic Communication Centre.
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| Blamed: The Western media has reported allegations against Pope Benedict XVI and his brother, which accuse them of protecting priests involved in child sex abuse. Fle pic |
"You must also understand that the global porn industry is responsible for blowing these reports out of proportion. They have been trying to demonise the Catholic clergy, since the Church has been fighting them," he added.
However, Kerala-based former nun, Sister Jesme Raphael who wrote about sexual exploitation in her book 'Amen - Autobiography Of A Nun' said, "The Catholic Church continues to be adamant about celibacy. It would have been impossible for the porn industry to defame the Church if paedophilia didn't exist."
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| Speaking out: Former nun, Sister Jesme Raphael |
Raphael, who was in Mumbai recently, said Catholic priests were allowed to marry earlier and the vow of celibacy was a late development.
"Sexual expression is most natural and human. It's the denial of healthy sexual expression to the Catholic clergy which leads to all such perversions," she added.
However the Catholic laity does not seem to be actively discussing the issue.
"I came across some HSC and college students who were aware of the allegations against the Pope. But, they all think that the issue is not really relevant to them," said Adrian Rosario, who works with Catholic youth.
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