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"VIGIL OF HOLY WEEK:" Holy Mother Church committed to combat, root out blight of abuse wherever it occurs ― Vatican press liaison
March 29, 2010
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(click to order)Media coverage of past child abuse by clergy recently increased, following the Holy Father issuing his letter to the Irish Faithful. In a note entitled "Vigil of Holy Week," Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. has reiterated that the Holy Father and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are guiding and supporting Bishops "to combat and root out the blight of abuse wherever it appears." Father Lombardi pointed out that while many cases actually occurred a number of years ago, Holy Mother Church is seeking to restore Justice and achieve "purification of memory" by recognizing what happened and attempting to make amends to victims.
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He held out as a hopeful sign that, for example, that "the Church in the United States is on the right road to renewal." Father Lombardi cited "the extraordinary preventative efforts being undertaken, with numerous formational and training courses both for the young people and for pastoral and educational staff." The seventh annual report on the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" of the Catholic Church in the United States reports a 30 per cent decline in reports of past abuse. So the themes the Vatican press office has emphasized are: combating and rooting out abuse; recognizing past abuse and making amends; purification of memory; formation; and renewal. The full text of the Vatican news release follows, along with resource links.
FR. LOMBARDI: CHURCH COMMITMENT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE
VATICAN CITY, 27 MAR 2010 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a note released by Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., entitled "Vigil of Holy Week".
"The question of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy has continued to receive wide coverage in the communications media of many countries, especially in Europe and North America, coverage which has continued over recent days following the publication of the Pope's Letter to the Catholics of Ireland.
"This is no surprise. The nature of the question is such as to attract the attention of the media, and the way in which the Church deals with it is crucial for her moral credibility.
"The truth is that the cases that have come to public attention generally took place some time ago, even decades ago, although recognising them and making amends with the victims is the best way to restore justice and to achieve that 'purification of memory' which enables us to look to the future with renewed commitment, with humility and trust.
"A contribution to this trust comes from the many positive signals emerging from various episcopal conferences, bishops and Catholic institutions in different countries on the various continents: directives for the correct handling and prevention of abuses, which have been reiterated, updated and renewed in Germany, Austria, Australia, Canada etc.
"In particular, one piece of good news is the seventh annual report on the application of 'Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People' of the Church in the United States. Without indulging in misplaced congratulations, we cannot but recognise the extraordinary preventative efforts being undertaken, with numerous formational and training courses both for the young people and for pastoral and educational staff. And it must acknowledged that the number of accusations of abuse has dropped by more than 30 percent over the last year, and most of them concerned cases more than thirty years old. Without entering into further details, it must be recognised that the decisive measures currently being implemented are proving effective: the Church in the United States is on the right road to renewal.
"This, we feel, is an important piece of news in the context of recent media attacks, which have undoubtedly proved harmful. But an impartial observer will not fail to notice that the authority of the Pope and the intense and coherent commitment of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith have not been weakened, rather they have been confirmed in their support and guidance to bishops to combat and root out the blight of abuse wherever it appears. The Pope's recent Letter to the Church in Ireland is powerful testimony of this, and contributes to preparing the future along the path of 'healing, renewal, reparation'.
"With humility and trust, in a spirit of penance and hope, the Church now enters Holy Week asking the mercy and grace of the Lord, Who suffered and died for all".
OP/NOTE CLERGY ABUSE/LOMBARDI VIS 100329 (510)
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source: V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.
Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City
Related Resource Links
:: Child Protection and Safety - Diocese of Arlington
:: Irish Catholic Bishops Conference
Keywords: Abuse Scandal, Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI, Catholic, Vatican Information Service, Lombardi
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