PENNSYLVANIA
The Worthy Adversary
Joelle Casteix
UPDATED 4/17
Three Men to Watch: Wuerl, Persico, and Trautman
(and one to discount)
More rumors are circulating about who was called to testify and what the grand jury investigation will uncover. But one thing is clear:
There are three men to watch.
Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Wuerl, now the Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, D.C., was Bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006. According to his Wikipedia page, one would think that he’s a champion for victims. Critics have called him the “Teflon Cardinal,” due to the fact that scandal seldom sticks to him. Outside of two known abusive priests that Wuerl did not warn parishioners about, what else will the grand jury investigation tell us?
I can only assume he was asked to testify. He was the bossman for 20 years.
Erie Bishops Lawrence Persico and Donald Trautman
The Diocese of Erie is in full protection mode. Earlier this month, officials there released a list of 34 priests and 17 lay people who have been credibly accused of abuse.
Yesterday, the boshop announced the expansion of the diocese’s child protection office.
If they were so concerned about such things (you know, exposing abuse and protecting kids), why didn’t they release these names before? Why not expand the Diocese of Erie child protection office in 2015 or in 2013?
They are getting ready for a bomb to drop.
Trautman was Erie’s bishop from 1990 to 2012. He retired at the mandatory age of 75. Persico took over in 2012.
And a man to discount: Nicholas Cafardi
Peter Smith at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote a great piece today about the upcoming grand jury report. He quotes Robert Hoatson, a wonderful advocate for victims, as well as some of the players mentioned below.
He also quotes Nick Cafardi, a former chairman of the US Bishops National Review Board for the protection of minors.
[Cafardi] said he doesn’t expect major surprises from Pittsburgh in the grand jury report.
This is the same Nicholas Cafardi who was general counsel for the Diocese of Pittsburgh itself.
*Ahem*
He was their LAWYER. So let’s just scratch him off the “credible” list.
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