http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/05/pope-francis-announces-commission-to-address-sex-abuse-cases.html
On Thursday, Pope Francis agreed to appoint a special ad-hoc “commission for the protection of minors” to address alleged and proven sex abuse by Catholic priests. The commission was suggested by a council of eight cardinals, tasked with advising the pope on church reform, who are meeting in Rome this week.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston—a city that was once the epicenter of the sex-abuse coverup scandal—briefed reporters after the council met with the pope. “Specifically, the commission will study present programs in place for the protection of children; formulate suggestions for new initiatives on the part of the Curia, in collaboration with bishops, bishops,Episcopal conferences, religious superiors and conferences of religious superiors; and indicate the names of persons suited to the systematic implementation of these new initiatives, including laypersons, religious and priests with responsibilities for the safety of children, in relations with the victims, in mental health, in the application of the law, and so forth.”Taken at face value, that would imply that the pope wants to hear from not just those inside the church hierarchy, but perhaps he would also call in advisors from outside the church to help deal with the problem. O’Malley said that the commission could be made of up priests, men and women religious, including nuns, and laypeople.Roping in secular entities, including law enforcement officials, has always topped the wishlist of victims groups, who feel that clerical child abuse is often “dealt with” in secret out of the long arm of the law.
Pope Frankie shaking it up big time, this should be welcomed by those who truly feel the kids well being counters the status quo, obviously there have been none in position that did it.
i see this as the parallel thing to ACA is providing to those who for decades didn't matter and those who were victim can now see retribution. this is going to create much chatter some denying the Pope which is a stick in the eye to those who allowed or participated.
No other entity that deals with minors, including education systems, groups like Boy Scouts, or sports organizations, have the same umbrella protection that the Catholic church provides its clergy when it comes to child sex abuse.According to O’Malley, the far-reaching commission would focus on developing guidelines and norms for the protection of children, including offering up strategies for anyone who deals with minors, including “catechists.” He also said the new commission would focus on “proof of suitability for priestly ministry, and screening and checking of previous offenses," the absence of which has long a complaint by victims’ groups.
this is interesting, they were all up in arms over the Boy Scout and teacher abuse and boycotted and fired made new rules, but nothing in that list happened at Catholic churches with pedophile priest, wondering has there ever been report of Nuns sexually abusing. there's a new Pope in town and he has the biggest broom seen since Jesus and the money changers in the Temple.
GO FOR IT POPE FRANKIE!
