Priorities for New Pope: Handling of Sex Abuse Cases

Rome Reports
March 8, 2013

http://www.romereports.com/palio/priorities-for-new-pope-handling-of-sex-abuse-cases-english-9315.html#.UTufH1ccMg9

[with video]

To say the cases of sexual abuse by priests has rocked the Catholic Church would be an understatement.

As Pope, Benedict XVI led the Church's response, apologizing for the priests' actions and meeting with victims. He asked Catholic institutions to be exemplary in the protection of children. Chicago Cardinal Francis George said the work, far from finished, must continue under the next Pope, even if abuse is no longer happening.

CARD. FRANCIS GEORGE

Archbishop of Chicago

“There are still the victims and the wound therefore is deep within their hearts and minds very often. And as long as it's with them, it's with all of us, and that will last for a long time. So the next Pope has to be very aware of this.”

An addition to zero tolerance for abusive priests, other steps taken under Benedict XVI include stricter evaluations for seminaries, which now fall under the control of the Congregation for the Clergy. The next Pope will also have to measure the effectiveness of these measures.