<!–nextpage–>
The cardinal noted that U.S. bishops lobbied to make their own zero-tolerance policy part of the church’s canon law and convinced bishops’ conferences in other countries, such as India, to adopt similar norms.
Although the “incidence of abuse is practically zero right now as far as we can tell,” the cardinal said, “there are still the victims. And the wound, therefore, is deep in their hearts and minds very often, and as long as it’s with them it’s with all of us, and that will last for a long time. So the next pope has to be very aware of this.”
Cardinal George, 76, also replied to a question about Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, 74, who announced Feb. 25 that he would not participate in the upcoming conclave because he did not want media attention focused on him. The announcement followed reports that three priests and a former priest had accused him of “inappropriate conduct” with them going back to the 1980s.
On March 3, Cardinal O’Brien publicly asked forgiveness for “times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal,” and announced that he would “play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland.”
“It’s a tragic moment for him, certainly,” Cardinal George said. “The tragic moment was when he was guilty of misconduct and then the consequence has played itself out now. “I’m not sure that the personal tragedy of a particular cardinal will have much influence on the discussion”.
Make sure to know the facts and keep up with this moment in history!
-
TD Jakes ‘Shocked’ by Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation [VIDEO]
-
Papal Conclave 2013 Watch: What is Sede Vacante
-
Papal Conclave 2013 Watch: The Job Description For The Next Pope
Follow @elev8officialfor all things wisdom, faith and encouragement.Get Inspiration, Motivation and Education all in one Place!
Papal Conclave 2013: Cardinals To Public: “New Pope Will Have Zero Tolerance For Sex Abuse” was originally published on elev8.com
