Is Pope Francis Doing Enough on Sex Abuse? Vatican Abuse Commission Members Question Case of Chilean Bishop.
By Sarah Pulliam
Several members of Pope Francis’s sex abuse advisory board have expressed concern over his decision to appoint a Chilean bishop despite allegations that he covered up abuse. The appointment set off dramatic protests that longtime survivor advocates say were unprecedented. Bishop Juan Barros Madrid was installed Saturday as head of a southern Chilean diocese, which set off remarkable protests in the cathedral during his ordination ceremony. The pope naming him to bishop drew a boycott by most of the diocese’s priests and deacons. Five of the 17 members of the Vatican’s commission spoke to the Associated Press about their concerns. Several members of Pope Francis’s sex abuse advisory board have expressed concern over his decision to appoint a Chilean bishop despite allegations that he covered up abuse. The appointment set off dramatic protests that longtime survivor advocates say were unprecedented. Bishop Juan Barros Madrid was installed Saturday as head of a southern Chilean diocese, which set off remarkable protests in the cathedral during his ordination ceremony. The pope naming him to bishop drew a boycott by most of the diocese’s priests and deacons. Five of the 17 members of the Vatican’s commission spoke to the Associated Press about their concerns. The Catholic Church in the U.S. has made significant changes to prevent clergy sex abuse, but survivor advocacy groups say many countries around the world do not have the same safeguards. Sex abuse scandals began to erupt in several European countries about 2010, including Ireland and Germany. Survivor advocates are working to develop protections in the developing world where prevention measures are not as extensive. Barros’s appointment drew outcry by those who allege that he covered up sex abuse committed by his superior, the Rev. Fernando Karadima, in the 1980s and 1990s. A Vatican investigation found Karadima guilty in 2011 and sentenced the now-84-year-old priest to a cloistered life of “penitence and prayer.” Marie Collins, an abuse survivor whom Francis named to the commission to promote reforms, told The Washington Post that she is concerned given Pope Francis’s pledge for “zero tolerance” of abuse. “It seems contrary to what the Holy Father has said in the past,” Collins said. “I believe he’s sincere on child protection. I find it difficult to understand the appointment.” Francis formed a 17-member commission in 2013 and named Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley to lead the commission. Collins said that commission members plan to speak with O’Malley about their concerns but a date has not been set. Barros is not accused of abuse, but Collins said his role is just as significant. “It’s still just as serious because we need everyone in the church to be vigilant,” she said. The pope met with survivors last July and asked for forgiveness, though some are beginning to question Francis’s commitment on the issue, said Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org, an advocacy group that warehouses information about abuse allegations. “I don’t think one case is going to shift the tremendous trust in Pope Francis,” Doyle said. “I think this is starting to make people doubt his sincerity. He has done a masterful job in saying that he’s going to bring real reform. This case undermines that message.” Last week, the pope accepted the resignation of Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien for sexual misbehavior. Some people praised the resignation as showing that the pope was willing to remove such a prominent leader, while some were upset that O’Brien was allowed to keep his title of cardinal.
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