Catholic Church

By Robert Royal, First Things - We are in for a long string of painful days now, but I believe it will become a “cleansing fire.” Many in the Church hierarchy, especially in Rome, are still under the delusion that they can manage this monstrosity. They can’t... The American bishops took a while, but finally realized that they had to take at least some action after the McCarrick revelations. In his letter to American victims of abuse – and in remarks during his visit to Ireland – Pope Francis basically expressed his confidence that existing safeguards can deal with the various situations. No need to create special tribunals, etc. This is fantasy .....

Fr. Carlos Martins: I just spent the last two hours on the phone with a friend in the Vatican Curia. He said that the news of Archbishop Viganò has hit the Curia like an atomic bomb. Two things are universally noted regarding Viganò: 1) He is highly respected as a professional, and 2) His Curial positions gave him clear access to the damning information he reported. In other words, he is not a hack, and he is not relying on rumor. This makes his report absolutely worthy of belief.

Aboard the papal plane, CNA/EWTN News - Pope Francis said Sunday that he will not comment on claims by a former Vatican ambassador to the U.S. that the pope knew about allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and reinstated him in ministry. The pope said people should make up their own minds about the claims… “I read the statement this morning, and I must tell you sincerely that, I must say this, to you and all those who are interested: Read the statement carefully and make your own judgment,” he answered. “I will not say a single word on this.”

By Deacon Greg Kandra, Patheos - Hours after the story broke, we now have the first significant episcopal response to the allegations by Archbishop Viganò, from Bishop Joseph Strickland in Tyler, Texas... While there are still a lot of unanswered questions about this story—and strong skepticism in some quarters— the bishop is nonetheless posting the letter from the former nuncio on the diocesan website, and directing his response to be mentioned at all parishes and included in all websites...