De Redactie
April 16, 2011
http://www.deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/news/110415_Vatican_reaction
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The Vatican has said in a statement that it is closely following the case of the disgraced former Bishop of Bruges Roger Vangheluwe and that it is aware of its severity. The Holy See’s press office released the statement on Friday afternoon in reaction to the controversy surrounding Roger Vangheluwe’s interview with a journalist from the Flemish commercial television station VT4.
The statement was distributed to the press by the Head of the Vatican’s press office Father Federico Lombardi.
The statement supports the position taken earlier by the Belgian Bishops who responded with shock and disdain at the comments made by Father Vangheluwe in Thursday’s interview.
Last weekend, the Vatican issued details of the punishment the Church had imposed on the paedophile former Bishop. He was to leave Belgium (which he has since done) and undergo “spiritual and psychological” treatment.
These measures were provisional, awaiting a final decision on Father Vangheluwe’s fate.
The Vatican’s statement
"The statement made by the Belgian Bishops clearly expresses the feelings of disdain and concern that have been caused by the interview given by the former Bishop of Bruges."
"The Vatican is following the situation closely and is aware of its severity. All elements relevant to the case are being collected and a thorough evaluation will be made at a later date."
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