By Tim Rohr
The CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT has published an important reflection on the life of the late Cardinal George Pell on the second anniversary of his death (Jan. 10, 2023). It's an important read for us in this archdiocese (Guam) because it allows a very stark and timely comparison between two bishops who were accused of child sex abuse: Pell and Apuron.
Both Pell and Apuron were accused at approximately the same time (2015-2017). At the time I pointed out on this blog that while Apuron RAN AWAY from his diocese to Rome seeking protection, Pell, on the other hand "ran" back to his diocese (in Australia) and away from Rome (where he was the Secretariat for the Economy) to clear his name.
Let's review: Apuron ran away. Pell ran to.
Pell was convicted and spent 404 days in prison while he appealed his case. Ultimately, the High Court of Australia overturned his conviction. Pell, while the victim of anti-Catholicism in Australia, was more so the victim of his enemies in the Vatican.
Let's remember who ran, and where they ran to.
both where NCW plants tho
ReplyDeleteThe NCW used a lot of bishops under cover of the popes they manipulated, especially JP2. Meanwhile, bottom line re this post is how the guilty and the innocent respond when accused.
DeleteI'm a bit confused about the canonization of John Paul II which I hesitate to admit. His ecumenical gestures, kissing of the Koran and meeting of different faiths at Assisi, his elevation to cardinal of certain questionable bishops, his failure to address or resolve the clerical sex abuse crisis, for instance. While his travels and other actions were admirable and inspiring, I find myself wondering if his canonization was a bit premature. I also question the canonization of Popes John XXIII and Paul VI.
DeleteThank you for this reminder of the legacy of George Cardinal Pell. May he be a reminder to bishops, and cardinals today that his example of faithfulness, orthodoxy, and fearlessness in speaking out about the truths and doctrines of the Church and against corruption in the Church are what the faithful in the pews need and expect from their clergy. I can only imagine what it would be like if Cardinal Pell had been elected Pope. May he rest in God's eternal peace.
ReplyDelete