Irish-born Bishop David O’Connell, auxiliary of Los Angeles, believes that Pope Francis’s Aug. 25-26 visit to the Emerald Island will face a “shadow” cast by a growing number of clerical sexual abuse scandals around the world.
Partly for that reason, the pontiff may face “an impossible task,” he told Crux on Sunday.
The bishop is currently in Ireland after leading some 45 people from his archdiocese in a pilgrimage through Ireland, which wrapped only days before the beginning of the Vatican-sponsored World Meeting of Families.
“I’ve even heard some people say maybe it just wasn’t the right time to bring the pope to Ireland,” O’Connell said. “And I feel very bad for him, because he wants to come and reaffirm the Church’s commitment to the poor and the marginalized, show the compassion of Jesus Christ, to show the heart of Jesus to the people.”
According to the prelate, a reminder of Jesus’ compassion is what the world needs most right now, but “everybody wants for him to come and talk about the terrible suffering, and it has been terrible. And it has to come out, and hopefully it will lead to some healing, and to the possibility of new life.”
Full story at Angelus News.
Whenever I hear a bishop or priest or layman taking a soft stance on the scandal, calling for compassion, deflecting from the true nature and cause of the scandal, I wonder whether that person has something to hide or protect. That’s just the way it is now and the way it’s going to be for the rest of our lives.
Poor Pope Francis and his minions. This is what happens when you are no longer trusted. Broken trust takes a long time to repair. Yes, Jesus has endless compassion and mercy — to the REPENTANT sinner.
It’s only an impossible task for someone who’s not fit for the job. The laity are tired of words. Tired of statements. Tired of calls for prayer and forgiveness. Time for leadership and effective action that once and for all stops this gross homosexual infiltration of the priesthood.
Please let us not forget who the pope at the time these scandals occurred…that is, John Paul II. His confidante, now Pope Benedict followed JPII’s orders to order the bishops to hide their illegal acts and disgraceful behavior. And what adds to this sad story, the cardinals voted Benedict, not Francis. It was not until Benedict admitted he was not fit to do the job. So Francis is now trying to clean up the mess. So, I would be careful placing blame on this pope. He inherited this mess from many years of incompetence!
Yes, all the Popes bear responsibility but it doesn’t help that Pope Francis is making it worse by putting in “gay-friendly” Bishops, Cardinals and Priests
I would suggest, rather than letting the Church authorities have a week to investigate a molestation allegation, the parents call the civil police FIRST. Do not give the Church authorities time to try to cover up the allegation. The Church”s credibility is not very good in this area.
Amen to that Mike.
Exactly right mike m. And C&H, we finally agree!