By Anne RinaudoWednesday 29 Aug 2018Open House InterviewsFaithReading Time: 2 minutes
Listen: Brian Lucas in conversation with Stephen O’Doherty.
The Catholic church is facing sexual abuse crises in several countries, Pope Francis has issued an unprecedented letter to all Catholics about sexual abuse.
The Pope asked “the People of God” to help root out “this culture of death” and vowed there would be no more cover ups.
“We showed no care for the little ones; we abandoned them,” the Pope said. Open House talked to Fr Brian Lucas about the impact of abuse scandals in Australia and globally.
In a written statement responding to the Pope’s letter, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, said “The Catholic Bishops of Australia welcome the Letter to the People of God that Pope Francis has written regarding sexual abuse in the Church. We share the Holy Father’s determination to protect young people and vulnerable adults.
What Church leaders in Australia have said in the past is consistent with what the Pope has written now: “It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and
shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable. Let us beg forgiveness for our own
sins and the sins of others.”
These are important words from Pope Francis, but words are not enough. Now is the time for action on many levels.The Royal Commission has done much good for this country, especially in creating a safe place for survivors to be heard and believed. We again thank the survivors who have so courageously shared their stories.” The statement said.
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Photo credit:
By Edgar Jiménez Creative Commons 2.0