Abuse Victims Urge Pope to Let Cardinal Go Quickly

By Sarah McDonald
Irish Independent
August 15, 2014

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/abuse-victims-urge-pope-to-let-cardinal-go-quickly-30510267.html

Irish cardinal Sean Brady stepping down presents the church with a chance for a fresh start. FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images

VICTIMS of clerical sexual abuse have called on Pope Francis to accept Cardinal Sean Brady's resignation immediately.

They spoke out after the Cardinal confirmed he had asked to stand down from his role as Primate of All Ireland, traditional for cardinals on their 75th birthday.

Dr Brady has faced criticism over his role in the Church's handling of abuse claims against paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.

Abuse survivor Marie Kane, who met Pope Francis last month, said she would be surprised if the Pontiff didn't allow the cardinal to leave his position soon.

"I would hope for a quick response from Pope Francis. I would be so disappointed if it even took months," she said.

"After all that was said in those meetings in Rome with the Pope and the feeling I got from him, I would hope that he would actually carry it out straight away."

Brendan Boland, a victim of Smyth, detailed in his book how the then Father Brady had sworn him to silence following a canonical investigation by the Church.