Irish Television Program Reveals Shocking Role of Vatican in Clergy Sexual Abuse Scandal

http://www.rte.ie/tv/wouldyoubelieve/av_index.html



January 17, 2011
The Pope has blamed Irish bishops for their mishandling of "unspeakable crimes" by priests, but reporter Mick Peelo reveals how not only did the Vatican secretly block the bishop's efforts to improve child protection and bring abuser priests to justice, but were every bit as inept in their own handling of abuse.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Excellent program by Irish Television revealing the Vatican's Policy of Protecting Abuser Priests When the Irish bishops tried to get the Vatican to remove priests abusers, the Vatican opposed them- citing it was not the role of the bishop to be a cop but a father to his priests.
If trust is to be restored and justice is to be done for the survivors of abuse, the Vatican must admit its role in this grave scandal. A major part of the problem is clericalism, the system of power and priviledge at the heart of this scandal that protected priests, and failed to protect the victims of abuser priests. As I have said many times, we need major reform in our church, and that reform must include systems of accountability, the empowerment of the community of faith and a renewed priestly ministry of women and men called by God and their communities to serve as sacramental ministers, spiritual leaders and prophetic witnesses to justice and equality for all our sisters and brothers.
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org