ST. LOUIS (MO)
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
February 20, 2019
As Cardinals and Bishops from across the world gather for Pope Francis’s much-anticipated abuse summit, the tone at the start of the meeting has left survivors and advocates feeling minimized once again.
At the start of the summit, rather than lead with a message of apology, Pope Francis chose to cast aspersions instead, referring to survivors who have criticized the church as friends of the devil.”
Could there be a greater disappointment than hearing the pontiff lashing out at “accusers” as “friends, cousins and relatives of the devil” as the abuse summit opens?
Could he craft a more devastating message that would dash the hopes of victims and Catholics worldwide?
It’s the oldest canard, the ‘fall back’ position of Catholic officials who feel pressure: Blame or shoot the messengers and attack their motives.
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