Pope Francis continues to tackle issues that need tackling.
Yesterday, he appointed a commission to handle the priestly
sexual abuse matter; a matter the Vatican and the previous popes have been
severely criticized for. The criticism basically involved the apparent cover-up
by the Vatican of a matter so abominable that it defies comprehension on all
levels.
The eight people appointed to the commission includes four
females with one female an actual victim of priestly abuse and an activist in bringing
priestly predators as well as their protectors to justice.
Only three clerics were appointed and they included Cardinal
O’Malley of Boston, Reverend Zollner of Germany and the Reverend Yanez of
Argentina.
The fact that the commission has more lay people than
clerics is significant. Lay Catholics have been demanding more power and
influence in running the Church but have always been met with stern rebuke
saying the Church is not a democracy and is solely governed by the pope (king)
and his princes (cardinals).
It is obvious that the only change this commission can actuate
will be dependent on the “power” it is granted and that remains to be seen.
But this is a step in the right direction by Pope Francis…we
will be watching.
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