The Holy See’s Press Office released a statement on Saturday saying Holy Father Pope Francis is meeting the bishops of Chile, May 15-17, to examine in depth the causes and consequences, as well as the mechanisms that have led in some cases to the concealment and serious omissions against the victims of sexual abuse in Chile.
As reported by Vatican news, The Pontiff, accompanied by His Eminence Cardinal Marc Ouellet the prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, will hold meetings with the 33 bishops of Chile, including two retired ones. “The objective of this long ‘synodal process’ is to discern together, in the presence of God, the responsibility of each and every one of us for these devastating wounds, and to study adequate and lasting changes that will prevent the repetition of these ever reprehensible acts,” explained the Holy See’s Press Office.
His Holiness Pope Francis will share his personal conclusions following a 2-member fact-finding mission to Chile headed by His Grace Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, and the numerous written and oral testimonies that the Pope has been receiving in recent weeks. The meeting will be strictly private and no papal declaration is expected during and after the meeting.
