UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Friday, April 10
Statement by Joelle Casteix of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests 949 322 7434, jcasteix@gmail.com
We’re encouraged that four abuse victims will meet this weekend with Cardinal Sean O’Malley about Pope Francis’ irresponsible appointment of a corrupt Chilean bishop.
But every single member of the pontiff’s commission should be shouting from the rooftops about this callous and hurtful appointment that will only discourage other victims, witnesses and whistleblowers from exposing clergy who commit and conceal child sex crimes.
And what of the world’s thousands of bishops? Why hasn’t a single one found the courage to criticize – or even publicly question – this insensitive move by Pope Francis? The pope has repeatedly said that more honest discussion in the church, even criticism of other church officials, is important and healthy. The pope has prided himself on more open decision-making in the highest echelons of the church hierarchy.
But not a single bishop on the planet – in office or in retirement – can bring themselves to challenge the boss.
The fact is that Bishop Juan Barros Madrid should be demoted and denounced, not elevated.
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