It’s noon, here in California. I’m sorry that the ch. 7 “eyewitness” news, did not carry Mr. Isely’s Chicago, IL protest. I suppose it was actually happening at 10am local time? I am glad to learn that you may have an ally in Chicago’s cardinal George. In fact, I pray that you do, and that he will assist in negotiating what used to be referred to as a “papal audience” (I guess?). I agree with all of you at SNAP, that this new pope could make and bring about these important changes in the world’s catholic church parishes and schools and charities. I agree with you that in fact, all things considered, this may be remarkably simple for HIM to achieve. With regards meeting with members of SNAP, all he has to do is say, “Yes.”

And, with regards to changing the global church in dealing with pedophiles IN the church, i do not believe that it would be “difficult” for him, the Pope, to enact the changes and actions you are suggesting. Particularly since it was reported here this morning that he gave a homily to the cardinals there, saying that they should all return to do more of the works of Christ and the Gospel. He must also be mindful of Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:41 and Luke 17:2.

Oh…how sad, how sad, how sad. I do believe that many, if not most, victims of pedophiles, do not survive.

I live in Los Angeles county, and am grateful to you at SNAP for having posted this public tv broadcast on this subject here. I did not see it on tv. Thank you.

I wish that Roger Mahoney could be removed from being the “celebrant” of many upcoming confirmations.

I’ve spent too much time searching to see if this news conference was held and if so, broadcast anywhere that I could see it. Could you please tell me?

Yes. I take all of this, very seriously. No. I am not a cynic.
And, on this subject I personally do not tolerate any attempt at making the subject “humourous”.

PEDOPHILE PREDATOR PRIESTS AND LAITY COMMIT HEINOUS CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY,

LITERALLY, HEINOUS CRIMES AGAINST THE MOST VULNERABLE AND LEAST OF US. NOTHING ABOUT TRYING TO BRING AN END TO SUCH HORRIFIC CRIMES, THE PERPETRATORS OF WHICH ARE CURRENTLY BEING ENABLED AND HIDDEN BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, IS FUNNY. THESE PEDOPHILES WHO HAVE BEEN HARBORED BY THE CHURCH, MUST BE STOPPED. FULL STOP.

PS Can you tell me if your news conference was taped and, if so, can it be viewed on this site or somewhere on the internet? I hope so.

Dear Anne Barrett Doyle and David Clohessy,

Thank you for holding your press conference. I wish that I could see all of it broadcast on local tv (in California). I doubt that I will actually see any of it. I will go now and check to see.

Before I do, I want to copy here for you a letter I just posted on another place on the SNAP site, this morning.

As it is adressed to Mr. Clohessy, and only in the comment section of this site, I don’t know when or if you will have a chance to see and read it. Because of that, I will again post it here.

Dear Mr. Clohessy,

Thank you, David Clohessy, for writing the new Pope. Thank you for having the courage to request in writing, a meeting with Archbishop Bergoglio, now, new Pope Francis in these next few days.

And, thank you for posting the contents of your letter here on this site.

I actually hope that you will post your letter in as many places as possible in this modern era of global communications! In my opinion, there should be nothing private or privileged about requesting a meeting with the Pope regarding the requests of the people to change the church’s past action(s) or perhaps to be more articulate, past inactions and evasion of the reality of pedophilia in the ranks of the clergy and laity, for hundreds if not, thousands of years!

Yes, I am glad that he has chosen “Francis” for his new name, and I do hope that he chose it because he wants to be similar to St. Francis of Assisi. However, we do not know, yet. (As has been mentioned, he may have chosen St. Francis’ name, simply to pay homage and show respect to the Catholics of Italy, whose Patron Saint, I have now learned, is St. Francis of Assisi.)

So, it is difficult for me, to yet ascribe as much significance to Father Bergoglio’s choice of his new name. Difficult for me, to believe in such “proof” of “greatness”, as other people have already ascribed to him in their haste to be happy and in their rush to “glorify” and exalt the voting Cardinal’s selection, of this particular Priest to be the next Pope.

Thank you, Mr. Clohessy, for your calmness and clarity of purpose at this time in particular.

Personally, I do believe, whether or not this Pope is actually ready at this time in his life, to attempt the reform that once accomplished, will most certainly be gargantuan; and will be, in effect the most monumental reform in the Catholic Church on Earth, since its inception.

I truly believe that.

Personally, I, as a currently “wavering” Catholic, who am a mother and grandmother of Catholics, am more proud of your courageous actions and persistent haste and timeliness to pursue such needed change in the Catholic Church.

I am quite honestly, relieved to know that you and your associates and friends and co-sufferers, as the founding members and leaders of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), are requesting to meet with the new Pope, at this time.

And, I pray that God and the Trinity, give you strength of your knowledge and of your convictions, to continue to believe in the real possibility that this Pope might actually be the person on earth, who will “reclaim” the children, all Jesus’ children of the earth and save them from the heinous crimes of child predators who have until very recent times, well “hidden” themselves, deep inside the Catholic Church.

May God truly BLESS YOU IN YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS. MAY HE BRING REAL RESULTS FROM YOUR LOVING PERSISTENCE! MAY GOD GRANT YOU RELIEF FROM ALL YOUR SUFFERING IN THIS EFFORT! Please BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN WORK AND CONTINUE YOUR HONEST AND GREAT EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF US ALL.

And please report to us all from your meeting with Pope Francis. I think that I do believe, and know, that I most certainly hope and pray that he will respond to your request! Please remember my earlier comparison of this battle and your participation in it as being similar to (perhaps, your namesake) David, and Goliath. Please believe and REMEMBER that this is the time and that you can and will be successful. I think and believe that those optimists among us are all praying for your success, David!

Thank you,
Lani Halter

Again, thank you Anne Barrett Doyle and David Clohessy!

Dear Mr. Clohessy,

Thank you, David Clohessy, for writing the new Pope. Thank you for having the courage to request in writing, a meeting with Archbishop Bergoglio, now, new Pope Francis in these next few days.

And, thank you for posting the contents of your letter here on this site.

I actually hope that you will post your letter in as many places as possible in this modern era of global communications! In my opinion, there should be nothing private or privileged about requesting a meeting with the Pope regarding the requests of the people to change the church’s past action(s) or perhaps to be more articulate, past inactions and evasion of the reality of pedophilia in the ranks of the clergy and laity, for hundreds if not, thousands of years!

Yes, I am glad that he has chosen “Francis” for his new name, and I do hope that he chose it because he wants to be similar to St. Francis of Assisi. However, we do not know, yet. (As has been mentioned, he may have chosen St. Francis’ name, simply to pay homage and show respect to the Catholics of Italy, whose Patron Saint, I have now learned, is St. Francis of Assisi.)

So, it is difficult for me, to yet ascribe as much significance to Father Bergoglio’s choice of his new name. Difficult for me, to believe in such “proof” of “greatness”, as other people have already ascribed to him in their haste to be happy and in their rush to “glorify” and exalt the voting Cardinal’s selection, of this particular Priest to be the next Pope.

Thank you, Mr. Clohessy, for your calmness and clarity of purpose at this time in particular.

Personally, I do believe, whether or not this Pope is actually ready at this time in his life, to attempt the reform that once accomplished, will most certainly be gargantuan; and will be, in effect the most monumental reform in the Catholic Church on Earth, since its inception.

I truly believe that.

Personally, I, as a currently “wavering” Catholic, who am a mother and grandmother of Catholics, am more proud of your courageous actions and persistent haste and timeliness to pursue such needed change in the Catholic Church.

I am quite honestly, relieved to know that you and your associates and friends and co-sufferers, as the founding members and leaders of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), are requesting to meet with the new Pope, at this time.

And, I pray that God and the Trinity, give you strength of your knowledge and of your convictions, to continue to believe in the real possibility that this Pope might actually be the person on earth, who will “reclaim” the children, all Jesus’ children of the earth and save them from the heinous crimes of child predators who have until very recent times, well “hidden” themselves, deep inside the Catholic Church.

May God truly BLESS YOU IN YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS. MAY HE BRING REAL RESULTS FROM YOUR LOVING PERSISTENCE! MAY GOD GRANT YOU RELIEF FROM ALL YOUR SUFFERING IN THIS EFFORT! Please BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN WORK AND CONTINUE YOUR HONEST AND GREAT EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF US ALL.

And please report to us all from your meeting with Pope Francis. I think that I do believe, and know, that I most certainly hope and pray that he will respond to your request! Please remember my earlier comparison of this battle and your participation in it as being similar to (perhaps, your namesake) David, and Goliath. Please believe and REMEMBER that this is the time and that you can and will be successful. I think and believe that those optimists among us are all praying for your success, David!

Thank you,
Lani Halter

What I would like to find out today, if possible, is if this new pope, has already demonstrated in his youth any, or in fact all of the qualities you ascribe to St. Francis? (There is no greater example of courageous reform in the history of the Catholic church than St. Francis of Assisi. He lived with and demanded justice for those in our society that have been victimized and destroyed by the powerful. During his time he stood up and challenged bishops and cardinals and the Pope.)

Do you know, if archbishop bergoglio in his capacity as first priest then later archbishop demonstrated any of those very qualities during that time of his own life? Or, is it that you’re hoping he just may be “coming late to the party”? I don’t know, I always thought that St. Francis was a rather young man when he demonstrated all of these wonderful qualities? No?

Yes, Andy, I heard all of those things on CNN immediately after the new pope left the loggia. But honestly? I’m not impressed by any of those actions. I live in California and I remember when our current governor (who also studied for a time to become a jesuit priest) opted to not live in the governor’s mansion, etc., and drove his own car instead of using a gov’t. car… And, yet the school district of the city (Oakland, CA) where he had been mayor, is so nearly defunct and bereft of good teachers and students who actually graduate; that during his term as mayor the entire school district fell into such wretched condition, and he nearly literally ran the school district (“whole show”) there, that I don’t think such examples of “character” really demonstrate ability to solve the current problems I am concerned about with regards the c. church of the 21st century.

Actually, I want to know more about how, (and if ever) while he was archbishop in argentina, he dealt with the REAL existence of priest pedophiles.

I believe this comment of yours, bears repeating:

“Pope Francis must, as his very first act, decree the zero tolerance of sexual abuse of children by priests. This one act would, in a single stroke of his pen, protect millions of children from harm, bring justice to hundreds of thousands of victims of clergy sexual abuse, and turn the church finally on a path towards true healing, recovery and reform.”

I am fearful that this new pope will not be as wise and courageous and his namesake.

So, I pray that your suggestion – demand reaches him and that he actually does make this decree, now.

So far, the media have not emphasised the specific attributes of St. Francis, that you have. So far, they’re basically talking about his “wonderful vow of poverty” and are talking about how this new pope used to take the public transportation “to work”…and cook his own meals.

The media it seems to me, nearly always just want to “make a star-tudded celebrity” out of all and any new leader of anything…they seem to defer and aqueiesce and nearly fall over themselves to heap praise, and/or, define with their own limited knowledge and understanding of a new member of the power structure (of anything), status! I should probably shut off my tv, just because of that aspect of media. I guess I rather naively keep hoping I will learn something of real substance, about archbishop bergoglio, now pope francis…without having to wait days months or even years, to find out his true character. Yes, in light of the history of child abuse by priests worldwide, I am impatient to know.

Holy cow! ….Did no one else hear the new pope today, when he was introduced and then spoke to the people in the vatican square and essentially (because of the media) to the whole world as the pope for the first time?

I know that in his rather quiet and humble sounding speach, he did in fact issue absolution to ALL sinners there, and ALL those in the church. He told them all that they were all forgiven.

I know I heard it, even though he said it hurriedly.

Personally, I think this was his “mea culpa” for the church and his way of sidestepping from the “get go”, the whole pedophile laity and subsequent cover up, issue.

I know I heard that. Didn’t you?

I believe that you may be very correct in your assessment of how the people feel about their catholic church in latin america, as well as how I would imagine most of the church there is “beholden” to whoever it is in the government, who has the most money.

I said to the woman who was my sponsor to become a catholic (here in the U.S.), just the other day, that essentially, i do not believe or think that the c. church has ever managed to “do right” by all the catholics of latin america and other poor countries. When I was a young teenager and asked my mother why she didn’t like the c. church, she said “look at mexico” and other countries like it. I see all the beautiful churches filled with relics of gold, and yet all of the people of the church living in dirt and mud houses, nearly always starving. And I also see the priests “demanding” that all the people of the church give the church money, ceaselessly, endlessly. And yet, I see all the people for the most part, continue being poor. And, poverty destroys human life. People do starve to death, people do go without shelter and clothing, because of POVERTY. Why would I or anyone else, think that the catholic church was a good sheppard and wonderful influence and outlet for any people’s religious expression in latin america, if the c. church hasn’t helped “it’s own people” out of poverty, in ALL THESE YEARS???!!! The catholic church should be ashamed of itself for not using the great wealth it has already accumlated, to stem poverty wherever and everywhere the catholic church is located. But they don’t (and it,) doesn’t.

So, this is just one, of the reasons I have not liked the record of the church and priests in Latin America over the years. But, now, you are also telling me that the pedophilia and cover up issue is rammpant there, as well. Oh, woe to all of us.

To Thom Sadloskos,

Yes, Thom, I too am disappointed with the age of this new Pope.

To David Clohessy,

I want to say that regrettably, it is only now after the election of Archbishop Bergoglio (a selection I find to be very disappointing due to his age), that I realize that neither you, nor any other SNAP members, suggested anyone that they believe would be a good, new Pope.

Darn it! (Perhaps, probably due to having been so bullied over the years since the advent of SNAP in the late 1980’s, we all only thought “defensively”?) In the midst of hurriedly naming those priests who should not be considered and/or allowed to vote, even—-those who should not in fact be elected new Pope, it seems we all “dropped the ball” in taking the opportunity to actually name one or more of those available, that we would like to see made Pope!

Personally, over the years, I have prescribed to the old adage “Be careful what you wish for.”, so, I already learned (I thought) that someone new, is not always necessarily a better result.

As I said, I regret that I didn’t think to ask of you and the other SNAP members there, who would (now I must use the past tense) have been a good priest to recommend to the church, that they should choose.

I am grateful and thankful though, that at least their choice wasn’t any of the priests you and we were worried might be chosen.

Now, I want to ask you, since I haven’t been able to locate anything yet, if you know anything of this new Pope’s actual record of actions regarding the whole priest pedophila chrisis?

I will appreciate any information you can give, regarding this, particularly since I still feel very much on the verge of quitting the church altogether, but wishing I didn’t have to.

Thank you,
Lani Halter

Oh, and to try to answer your other question about how many priests have already been convicted and sent to prison; I don’t know how many, if any, have. Achieve that justice for victimns is of course, the goal of many if not all of us on this site.

But, these actions are all still “in motion”, motion that has achieved momentum and which is why I am continuing to say STAY IN THE BATTLE, STAY IN THE FIGHT, FOR THESE VICTIMS AND ALL OF US CATHOLICS, today…TODAY, TODAY! TELL THE LEADERS! WE MUCH CHANGE THE CHURCH, NOW. WE MUST HAVE A NEW POPE WHO CAN AND DOES CHANGE THIS CHURCH, NOW in the year, 2013!

I only just found out about this site since Benedict resigned. I personally, have not been a victim, but I have been a catholic since 1994. The public exposure of the whole priest and laity pedophilia issue, has only just been gaining momentum in recent times. I joined this site for several reasons, not the least of which was that after (and maybe, before, I don’t know), after his resignation there wasn’t any way to send comments or receive direct answers to questions about this, from the vatican website. I was, and am grateful to the organizers of this site, and am only sorry that it has been in existence for over twenty years, and is only just recently been able to make some real progress in changing in a very direct way, the appalling conditions found in the church all this time. I’m grateful to have this outlet for my own “voice to be heard” with regards this horrible problem. I stopped going to church, and could only bring myself to observe mass on sundays on tv, all because of this horrible abuse of children and vulnerable disabled adults. With this site, I no longer have to remain silent. With this site, I can do the best that I can to encourage the active member’s efforts and thank them profusely. I this (my) country, such criminals would first have to be reported to the public police department, and from that point would have to go through the United States judicial system. I am not aware that signing a petition could help have them arrested.

Right now, today, March 13, 2013, my main goal and purpose is to continue encouraging any of the SNAP people currently in Rome and at the Vatican during this conclave; to stay the fight and continue the battle NOW, even if the only opportunity to do so means “camping out” on the St Peter’s square with signs demanding that the church change, signs saying something about the cardinals’ need to choose a new pope who in fact, is capable of setting new procedure, and capable of ensuring that pedophiles are then on notice to STOP, AND TO EFFECTIVELY, “TURN THEMSELVES IN” to the proper authorities or otherwise risk being arrested, now.

WE MUST STAY UNITED AND SHOW OUR STRENGTH TO THE CARDINALS OF THE CONCLAVE, TODAY AND ALL THE DAYS UNTIL ELECTION. For this I pray, Lord, God. Amen

And, yes, I have often thought in these days since Benedict XVI resigned, of Eliot Ness (and the US Gov’t) vs. Al Capone, as well as David (in the Bible of God) vs. Goliath.

And honestly, doing so, does continue to give me hope and belief about THIS conclave and papal election. Please, SNAP members and other victims, let Christ’s words in the New Testament, and your own knowledge of truth about these predators, GIVE YOU POWER AND STRENGTH TO PERSEVERE NOW, TO END THE CONTINUED PERPETRATION OF THESE ATROCITIES. Remeber, that eventually, the Romans stopped killing and burning Christians in the colleseum, that the Crusades did in fact, END. Believe that the heirarchy of the Catholic Church can no longer continue to be, nor enable any others to be, pedophile priest predators!!! THIS WILL BE STOPPED!

Be present in mind and spirit if you cannot be physically present, at today’s conclave, please.

Please PRAY today March 12, 2013 that such a thing as a non-sexual offending, non-enabling achbishop or cardinal priest does exist today, and that he will in fact be found after serious search, by the voting cardinals and only then, elected Pope.

And, please remember: that in the Gospel of Matthew 18:6, Christ himself is quoted saying: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it were better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be drown in the depths of the sea.”

That, is exactly what I believe should be done, with convicted pedophiles. I thank God for the SNAP organization and I do believe that the time has come, the tide has turned and that pedophile predator priests will be found, prosecuted and convicted. And, I also believe that people like Roger Mahoney who have already been shown to have aided and abetted priest pedophiles, should be afraid that such will be their fate, as well.

As I’ve said before on this site, recently, I believe that Christ’s words in three places in the Bible are not only very clear, but prescient in a way that no other’s words could be.

Please re-read AND Remember: Luke 17:2, Mark 9:41 and Matthew 18:6 If you are reading this comment and all the comments and news articles on this site, of all times in your lifetime, Please re-read AND Remember: Luke 17:2, Mark 9:41 and Matthew 18:6 Please Do this NOW, TODAY.

Matthew 18:6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it were better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be drown in the depths of the sea.”

That, is exactly what I believe should be done, with convicted pedophiles. And, I think that people like Roger Mahoney and all the other cardinals like him, who aid and abet pedophiles, should be afraid that such will be their fate, as well.

Matthew 18:6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it were better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be drown in the depths of the sea.”

That, is exactly what I believe should be done, with convicted pedophiles. And, I think that people like Roger Mahoney who aid and abet pedophiles, should be afraid that such will be their fate, as well.

To Snap leaders: Please, tell me, again. Who the 3 prelates that you consider “promising” are? I read this news blog twice on March 8th and did not see who you believe would fulfill your hopes.

I did receive an email with the names of and information about these three prelates from you, but I can hardly stand to admit that i first lost the email, and then in my haste to relocate it, made the mistake of deleting everything “already in” my deleted files folder. So, please re-send this information to me. March 12, 2013 mid-morning in California, the day of the conclave opening.

Thank you in advance for re-emailing me the requested information.