ROME
Sky News
A British member of the Pope’s advisory commission on sexual abuse in the clergy has refused to step down – despite receiving a vote of no confidence.
Peter Saunders, an outspoken critic of the Vatican, said “the only person who can remove me is the person who appointed me: the Pope”.
The Vatican had released a statement saying Mr Saunders, who himself was a victim of sexual abuse by two priests, had decided to take a leave of absence from the commission.
However, just hours later, the campaigner said he had not been aware of the Vatican’s comments – and branded the commission a “disgrace”.
Mr Saunders added: “They believe that child abuse is behind us, but it is in no way behind us.”
His colleagues have accused of him of being hard to work with, and also claimed he speaks to the media too frequently.
Mr Saunders made headlines last year when he said Australian Cardinal George Pell should be dismissed over claims he failed to take action to protect children years ago.
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