And asks for forgiveness.
The official inquiry into the Chilean Bishop Scandal has concluded and the Holy Father admits he was mistaken in his initial responses. The Vatican Press Office has posted his letter, which other media outlets are reporting on. The following is the 'Google translation' of a portion of that letter with a link to the Holy See.
Now, after a slow reading of the minutes of said "special mission", I believe I can affirm that all the testimonies collected in them speak in a stark, without additives or sweeteners, of many crucified lives and I confess that it causes me pain and shame .
Bearing all this in mind, I am writing to you, gathered at the 115th plenary assembly, to humbly request your collaboration and assistance in discerning the short, medium and long term measures to be taken to reestablish ecclesial communion in Chile, with the objective to repair the scandal as much as possible and restore justice.
I plan to call them to Rome to discuss the conclusions of the aforementioned visit and my conclusions. I have thought of this meeting as a fraternal moment, without prejudices or preconceived ideas, with the sole objective of making the truth shine in our lives. On the date I entrust to the Secretary of the Episcopal Conference to make me reach the possibilities.
As far as I am concerned, I recognize and so I want you to transmit it faithfully, that I have made serious mistakes in the assessment and perception of the situation, especially due to a lack of truthful and balanced information. From now on I apologize to all those I have offended and I hope to be able to do it personally, in the coming weeks, in the meetings I will have with representatives of the people interviewed. - P. Francis
The secular news report here.
It's all very straightforward.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28Prayers for the Holy Father - sharing his shame.
"Prayers for the Holy Father - sharing his shame"
ReplyDeleteBe assured of my prayers too Papa Francis! Que la Virgencita Maria le ayude en todo!
His Holiness's response is very clear and humble. God bless him for that.
ReplyDeleteGod does not expect us to be perfect or to be successful. He just expects us to keep trying and to start over again when we fail.
As we discussed previously, it is our Catholic duty to pray for the Pope, even if we only can manage a quick Hail Mary during a busy day. Positive, heartfelt prayer will always defeat negativity and the evil the devil wants to inflict on the world. God bless all here - Susan, ofs
You know, many bishops have been moved for less than what Frank has done. It would be hypocritical for him to stay. Time for Frank to resign.
ReplyDeletePope Francis deserves your respect, Mr. B. You don't have to like him, but if you are a Catholic it is your duty to pray for him and refer to him with dignity and respect as the Vicar of Christ and as a brother Catholic.
DeleteOur popes are most often not saints, nor are they perfect, as I mentioned above. Even popes who are saints were not perfect. Pope St. John Paul II openly praised Fr. Maciel of the Legionairies of Christ and held him up as an example of an exemplary Catholic. In reality, Fr. Maciel was a deeply evil man who lived a scandalous double life and swindled the Order out of a fortune. Pope Benedict was left with punishing him suitably, apologizing to his victims, and reforming the Legionary priests and laypeople, who are good and faithful Catholics.
And yet no one called Pope John Paul a hypocrite about this or called for his resignation. It was understood that even an intelligent, sensible, holy pope can be deceived by evil people.
Pope Francis has displayed humility and has begged pardon publicly. This is far more than many lesser clerics, and most lay people, would have ventured to do.
As I said earlier, it is our duty as Catholics to pray for the Pope, as Our Lady instructed the Fatima children. I do so with all my heart, and encourage you and anyone else who sees this to do the same.
Susan, ofs
Thank you Susan for your fine example of encouragement in calling us all to pray for our Holy Father and to respect him as Vicar of Christ.
DeleteCharity is the fruit of your prayer unlike others (sadly) who have nothing to offer but repeated disrespect and negativity towards our Holy Father.
Let's keep praying and hoping for all!
I get that you do not like or agree with our Pontiff. That is fine Aloysius I respect your right to your opinion which I am sure is formed from your true Christian faith. I was taken aback however at your disrespect to his office. I know we do that sort of things with politicians we do not agree with. I have done that myself. If you believe however that the Papacy is divinely inspired but held by a mortal then you need to honor the office if not the man. I will pray for you and ask in humility that you pray for me.
DeletePraised be God in his angels and in his saints!
ReplyDeletehttps://cruxnow.com/vatican/2018/04/13/chile-victims-will-meet-pope-francis-april-28-29-at-vatican/
"Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of Chile’s most famous predator priest, said he and his colleagues had agreed to Francis’s invitation to come to Rome so the pope could personally apologize for having discredited them during his recent trip to Chile.
In the grand scheme of things and no matter how many times the "experts" dissect, presume, assume, mock, discredit, smear our Holy Father regarding his apology to the abuse victims from Chile, they are giving Papa the benefit of doubt and are taking him at his word by coming to Rome to meet with him and spend time with him.
In the end ... that is all that truly matters.