VATICAN CITY
Vatican Insider
The lack of any meeting with the victims of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ could compromise Benedict XVI’s mission
Andrés Beltramo Álvarez
Vatican City
“He is not scheduled to meet with Maciel’s victims – the bishops have not asked him to.” With these words, Vatican Press Office director Fr. Federico Lombardi ruled out the possibility that the Pope will receive the sexual molestation victims of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ during his visit to Mexico – a controversial decision, even within the Roman Curia. Meanwhile, the victims are preparing another demonstration, possibly tarnishing Benedict XVI’s Latin American visit.
“He was not asked. In other countries where these kinds of meetings with abuse victims have taken place, the bishops urged the Pope to do so because the issue was strongly felt in society and in the Church. In this case, it is not part of the schedule and should not take place. It’s not happening, “said the Jesuit clergyman, while describing the itinerary of the papal trip to Latin America to the international press.
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