ROME (ITALY)
Vatican News
OKctober 11, 2018
By Russell Pollitt SJ
Archbishop Scicluna opened the briefing by saying that he was touched by the very vocal presence of 30 young people at the Synod who, at times, reacted vociferously to what they heard. He said that this gives the bishops a good indication of what is expected of them. Bishop Gobillard said that the young people reminded the bishops that they are part of the Church and showed them the “pathway” to preach the Gospel more authentically. Mr Leoncini said that Pope Francis was, for many young people, the greatest leader amongst leaders and that they really felt listened to and accompanied by him. He said that the Synod has shown him that the Church is not fearful to ask questions that seek radical answers.
Sexual Abuse
Archbishop Scicluna addressed abuse directly. He said that the comments made last week by Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Melbourne were an important “mea culpa” which capture the sense of all the Synod Fathers. He said that young people are searching for an authentic Church and that every working group at the Synod has touched on this issue. Stressing the need for action, he said that bishops must be accountable not only to God but also to their people. “Stewardship is the word, protection is the word,” Archbishop Scicluna said. He added that he had cried with victims many times. The archbishop said that when he meets with victims they are often no longer young. “It pains me that justice takes so long. This is also very painful to Pope Francis”. He said that he is a direct witness of how Pope Francis suffers because justice seems to be so slow.
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