Advisor to Pope Francis Believes He Recognizes Need to Address Bishop Finn

By Megan Brilley
Fox 4
November 14, 2014

http://fox4kc.com/2014/11/14/advisor-to-pope-francis-believes-he-recognizes-need-to-address-bishop-finn/

[with video]

A Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese bishop is back in the national spotlight, gaining the attention of Pope Francis himself.

A key cardinal and advisor to Pope Francis spoke with 60 Minutes and said the pope knows he will have to soon address Bishop Robert Finn.

Since Bishop Finn’s conviction, the diocese has not been the same. Catholics are hoping this break in silence will bring change and hope to back the church.

“I’m just your average catholic in the pew,” said Jeff Weis.

Weis was raised Catholic and was heavily involved in the diocese of Kansas City, until he heard the man he once called a spiritual leader is now labeled a criminal.

“It’s hard for me to go to a church that I know is part of his diocese,” said Weis.

In 2012, a Jackson County judge convicted Bishop Finn of misdemeanor failure to report suspicions of child abuse. Investigators say Bishop Finn did not tell authorities about a priest who later pleaded guilty to producing child porn.

“This is not dealing with cases of 20, 30 years ago. This is now. This was under his watch,” Weis said.

Weis started a petition in 2012 that now has more than 260,000 signatures in 50 countries and counting.

“To me, it’s just a sign of awareness. That there is a global awareness of this particular issue,” Weis explained.

Nearly two years after his conviction, Bishop Finn remains.

“He’s still here. He’s still the bishop. Why is that? What is going on?” Weis asked.

That question gets a national audience in an interview with Papal advisor, Cardinal Sean O’Malley. Cardinal O’Malley says the bishop has not been responsible for the protection of children and that Pope Francis recognizes it needs to be addressed urgently.

“I about dropped my cup of coffee,” Weis said.

Weis was surprised to hear Bishop Finn’s role is finally being addressed and hopes the pope takes action, so he can return to church.

“It renews my faith in change,” he said.

We did reach out to the diocese about Cardinal O’Malley’s interview, but it had no comment.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker sent FOX 4 a statement saying she’s encouraged by the comments from within the church, and she hopes this results in real benefits for our community.