National Catholic Reporter, Kcmo-based Catholic Newspaper, Reacts to Bishop Robert Finn Resignation

By Andres Gutierrez
KSHB
April 21, 2015

http://www.kshb.com/news/national-catholic-reporter-kcmo-based-catholic-newspaper-reacts-to-bishop-robert-finn-resignation

As the world learned of the news of Bishop Robert Finn’s resignation Tuesday, staff members at the National Catholic Reporter in Midtown were not surprised.

One of the paper's reporters actually saw Finn at the Vatican last week.

During that visit, Finn met with the head of the congregation for bishops. He was asked to resign. In return, he offered his resignation.

The paper adds he came back to Kansas City to prepare the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph for the announcement.

Catholics learned of the news at noon Rome time - 5 a.m. CST.

Finn's resignation sends a clear message to high-ranking members in the Catholic Church, National Catholic Reporter staff said

"The Vatican taking this action at this point is a signal to bishops that you have the rules, you have the regulations, you have the protocols – you must follow them,” Dennis Coday, editor of the National Catholic Reporter, said. “Here's a clear violation here, and the Vatican has acted slowly here, but they have acted."

Not only was the 62-year-old bishop convicted for failing to report child abuse, but he also broke a church law called the "Dallas Charter" which provides guidelines on how U.S bishops should handle suspected cases of child abuse.

Finn violated the charter by not following protocol; he should have reported it to church superiors.

Observers said Finn's resignation will likely be hailed as a major step towards accountability for Catholic bishops who mishandle sex abuse allegations.

"Our hope is that this is a moment for reconciliation within the church. One of the priests we reached out for comment this morning - that was his very first message that, 'We're in the Easter season, now is the time for healing,' and his hope is that, 'This will become healing process which has been hurting for some time,'" Coday said.

It’s unknown when Pope Francis will choose a new bishop to permanently take over the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

The Vatican keeps that process quiet, according to the paper's staff.