PHILADELPHIA (PA)
News 12
PHILADELPHIA – While many appreciated the pope’s recognition of clergy abuse Sunday, victims say that the pontiff’s words were not enough.
Pope Francis met with clergy sex abuse victims in Philadelphia on Sunday, and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
Robert Hoatson, former priest with the Archdiocese of Newark who now counsels victims of abuse, says victims want the pope to hold bishops accountable for allowing priests who have abused to stay in ministry.
“Are you going to fire them because you haven’t fired anybody yet?” Hoatson said. “Are you going to tell the bishops to stop blocking legislation in the United States that will give victim survivors their day in court?”
In June, Pope Francis set up a tribunal to examine bishops of wrongdoing.
Hoatson’s group offered the names Archbishop John Meyers of Newark, former Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, and Cardinal Raymond Burke.
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