Vatican Announces Inquiry into Cardinal Keith O'brien Sexual Misconduct Claims
By Jimon Johnson,
The Vatican has appointed a bishop with a reputation for investigating sexual abuse to conduct an inquiry into the scandal surrounding the resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien, it has been announced. Bishop Charles Scicluna has been appointed by the Congregation for Bishops as its special envoy to listen and report on allegations against the former Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh following a request from Pope Francis. Cardinal O'Brien resigned in disgrace in February last year after three priests and a former priest made allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour against him. Archbishop Leo Cushley said that the appointment of Bishop Scicluna is "indicative of the seriousness with which this matter is being taken". The bishop has been credited with reforming the Vatican's attitude to sexual abuse over the past decade, even by victims, overhauling its internal norms to make it easier to defrock abusers. Archbishop Cushley, a former senior Vatican diplomat, announced the investigation in two letters sent to his clergy in which he confirmed he had spoken to the Pope directly on the matter. “I believe that this is a positive step towards truth and eventual reconciliation, this may not be an easy thing to do, but it is the right thing to do. I am reassured by this and will be pleased to support Bishop Scicluna in any way I can,” he said. “It is important that such work be conducted in a way that protects those who wish to contribute to it. It is also important that the Holy See take such steps as are necessary to establish and evaluate the serious allegations which have been made over the last 18 months or so.” He encouraged everyone concerned to cooperate fully with the bishop during his visit to Scotland, which is expected to take place between Tuesday and Thursday next week. Cardinal O’Brien had served as archbishop of Edinburgh since 1985 and was head of the Catholic Church in Scotland but resigned abruptly in February last year. Three priests and a former priest alleged that he had inappropriate sexual relations with them dating back 30 years. He has retained his title, which can be removed only by the Pope, and is believed to be living in "penance" in a religious retreat in the North of England. Archbishop Cushley has instructed those who wish to speak to Bishop Scicluna during his visit to “prepare their narrative in writing.” The bishop served as the promoter of justice at the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith until 2012, when he was made auxiliary bishop in Malta. He was known at the Vatican for reviewing hundreds of case files of priests who were eventually dismissed from ministry for sexual abuse. Dr Rebecca Rist, a papal expert from the University of Reading, said: "From day one Francis signalled that he regards clerical sexual abuse as the modern day scourge of the church. “Francis's specific request to appoint the tough and thorough Bishop Charles Scicluna to lead the investigation shows his determination to find answers, and find them quickly. That this request is coming in such an unprecedented way from the Holy See itself reinforces how personally committed Francis is to cleaning up the church.”
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