This is an interesting development in the reform process of Pope Francis.
Fr. James Martin said the visitation demonstrates "that Pope Francis is prepared to take a step that has been long overdue: holding bishops accountable for their roles in the abuse crisis. It is an absolutely essential step."
Depending upon the way media 'spins' these stories, especially social media, gossip and negative reaction is inevitable, and unavoidable. It is best to take all such speculation with a grain of salt and allow the process to take place. It shouldn't be open to public speculation anyway. In former times, the reform of the hierarchy/clergy must have been equally as upsetting and disorientating - but the Church came through it.
As NCR noted, Bishop Robert Finn, (is) the first Catholic prelate to be found criminally guilty of shielding a priest in the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis. Readers may or may not be familiar with the unfortunate case, but Bishop Finn was never jailed (nor should he have been) for his failure to report a suspected former priest accused of producing child porn.
The Vatican investigation underway is to determine whether or not Bishop Finn is fit to be a leader. Bishop Finn has been criticized both within and outside the diocese, and his critics would be happy to see him replaced. The story here.
Perhaps the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese is next in line for a Vatican visitation? Just wondering.
"I know well I must render an account of everything - from the beginning of my life as well as this later part - unto the last penny, when God will search Jerusalem with lighted candles, and it is already late - the day far spent - to remedy so much evil and harm..." - St. John of the Cross
