Pope Francis’s Inadequate Apology for Pedophile Priests

Pope Francis, like other pontiffs, suppressed rampant pedophilia, acknowledging it only when scandals become too public to conceal. Longstanding Vatican tradition opposes Marxism, liberation theology, liberal morality, ordaining women, social justice, permitting priests to marry, gay, lesbian and transgender sexuality, birth control, stem cell research, and diluting Holy See authority no matter how wrongheaded and offensive. Pontiffs are considered infallible, handling church affairs any way they wish. They staff its hierarchy with politically correct officials, considering themselves above reproach. They suppress rampant pedophilia, acknowledging it only when scandals become too public to conceal – most often transferring offending priests and bishops to other dioceses when outed, letting them prey on defenseless children elsewhere, protecting them from defrocking and criminal prosecution. Francis’ letter of apology was addressed to “the people of God,” not countless numbers of individuals violated by thousands of pedophile priests worldwide – a scandal of epic proportions the Holy See hopes will fade in the fullness of time. Saying “(t)he pain of the victims and their families is also our pain” ignores longstanding coverup and denial. “(R)eaffirm(ing) our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults” ignores no affirmation ever with teeth – meaningless lip service alone by a pontiff complicit with Argentina’s military dictatorship and dirty war when archbishop of Buenos Aires. Vatican history isn’t pretty. Pontiffs notoriously oppose reform. Pope Benedict believed the best antidote to political totalitarianism is ecclesial totalitarianism, restricting fundamental freedoms, equity and justice instead of championing them. Pope Francis’ lofty rhetoric belies papal tradition – supporting wealth and power interests, paying lip service to what ordinary people deserve, wanting the pedophilia scandal swept under the rug. Apologies without ridding the church hierarchy of pedophiles and holding them accountable are hollow – doing nothing to change unacceptable criminal practices. In 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger before elevation to Pope Benedict said: “How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood…” Benedict, his predecessors and Francis did nothing to change things. Pedophilia, corruption, and other major abuses continue unchecked. Francis saying “(n)o effort must be spared” to address church abuses ignores its longstanding culture of wrongdoing. Confessing sins for absolution doesn’t erase them or prevent repetitions. There’s no end of them when accountability is only rhetoric, not Holy See policy. Francis’ 2,000-word letter included no concrete steps for accountability and change. Professor of Moral Theology Daniel C. Maguire earlier accused Benedict of “criminal negligence…hid(ing) behind Vatican walls…protecting the church from scandal.” Pedophilia is a crime against humanity, pontiffs complicit by coverup and denial most often. Church hierarchy is infested with wrongdoers. It serves reactionary political interests, including militarism, belligerence and corporatism – paying lip service to equity and justice for all alone, opposing high-mindedness in practice.

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