A New Pope Doesn't Mean We Can Rest

By David Clohessy
SNAP
March 18, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/a_new_pope_doesn_t_mean_we_can_rest

We’ve talked a lot since the election of Pope Francis about how he has an enormous duty to protect kids and help prevent future sex abuse. But just because there is a new Pope doesn’t mean we can give church officials who have previously covered up crimes against children any slack.

And that is why, regardless of Francis’ actions, our case at the ICC will proceed.

So far, in the year and a half since we first launched our case, we’ve learned that the crimes and cover ups are indeed current and global, and that victims across the world will step forward, if they believe that somehow their courage will result in greater safety for kids.

Knowing that this is the case, our attention now turns to those who work within the church itself. If some of those within the church who had information could come forward, this case could result in even more victims finding their voice and more crimes being exposed.

Whistleblowers play an important role, and especially with dealing with crimes in powerful institutions like the church. We will not stop seeking these whistleblowers just because Pope Benedict has stepped down. On the contrary, we will push harder for them.

We expect a lot from Pope Francis. But we expect a lot from many others as well. Our case will go forward and we will continue to devote our time and resources to finding victims across the globe, helping them heal, and doing everything we can to prevent future abuses.