Setting the Record Straight: Holy See Attorney Refutes Claims
(10 Apr 10 - RV) A lawyer for the Holy See has refuted claims by the New York Times
and Associated Press that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger deliberately delayed disciplinary
action against a priest convicted of the sexual abuse of children. The media outlets
were citing a 1985 form letter bearing his signature as evidence.
The
document on which media are basing their reportage appears to be a form letter sent
in 1985 to Bishop John Cummins of Oakland, regarding a priest of the diocese who had
been convicted of abuse.
In a note explaining the role of the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith in the matter, the California-based attorney representing
the Holy See, Jeffrey Lena explained that the letter does not show then-Cardinal Ratzinger
resisting pleas from the bishop to defrock the priest.
Lena goes on to explain
that CDF was merely attempting to determine whether the conditions for laicization
obtained.
In 1985, CDF was not responsible for investigating or trying abuse
cases - indeed, CDF only became responsible for trying abuse cases in 2001, largely
as a result of then-Cardinal Ratzinger’s advocacy for swift and serious action to
address the abuse crisis.
Lena also clarifies that when the letter urges bishop
Cummins to “use as much paternal care as possible,” it is using curial language effectively
saying that the Bishop was responsible for ensuring that the priest in question cause
no further harm: