CHILE
National Catholic Reporter
May 10, 2018
by Joshua J. McElwee
Under increasing scrutiny about the handling of clergy sexual abuse cases over decades, Chile’s Catholic bishops say that Pope Francis’ recent emotional meetings at the Vatican with three abuse victims “shows us the path that the Chilean Church is called to follow.”
In a May 10 statement from the standing committee of their bishops’ conference, the Chilean prelates also confirm they will be meeting with Francis over four days May 14-17. The pope called the bishops to Rome en masse last month.
The committee says it “wanted to declare by means of a statement the disposition with which [the bishops] answer the call of Peter.”
“We reiterate our union with Pope Francis in the pain and shame expressed about the crimes committed against minors and adults in church settings,” the bishops say.
“We value the recent meetings of the Holy Father with three of the victims of Fernando Karadima,” the prelates continue. “The attitude of Pope Francis to welcome them sets an example … to follow in the face of accusations of abuse of conscience, sexual abuse and, ultimately, against any abuse of power that may occur within our communities.”
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