November 13, 2018, Tuesday
Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, 77, former Papal Nuncio to the United States (2011-2016), today issued a brief statement addressed to the American bishops, currently meeting in Baltimore, Maryland.
Vigano called on the bishops to “not be afraid of standing up and doing the right thing for the victims” of sexual molestation and abuse.
Inside the Vatican obtained the statement directly from the archbishop. The text of the statement is posted on our website here.
Vigano’s words come a day after the Vatican Congregation for Bishops on November 12 asked the US bishops not to vote during this November meeting on two action items to address the problem of sexual abuse, but rather to set the matter aside until a meeting in Rome in February of all the presidents of the bishops’ conference of the entire world can take up the matter.
That request from Rome has been received with considerable surprise by the American bishops, according to press reports.
Here is the complete text of the archbishop’s brief statement:
November 13, 2018 Tuesday
Dear Brothers Bishops in the US,
I am writing to remind you of the sacred mandate you were given on the day of your episcopal ordination: to lead the flock to Christ. Meditate on Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! Do not behave like frightened sheep, but as courageous shepherds. Do not be afraid of standing up and doing the right thing for the victims, for the faithful and for your own salvation. The Lord will render to every one of us according to our actions and omissions.
I am fasting and praying for you.
+Arch. Carlo Maria Viganò Your former Apostolic Nuncio
November 13, 2018 Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
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