Vatican - Financially corrupt prelates are ousted, but morally complicit prelates remain

For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,[email protected])

The Pope made another move today to purportedly ‘clean up’ the Vatican bank.

It may seem like an odd question, but does Pope Francis care more about money than children? He pushes out church officials who are allegedly complicit with financial misdeeds but not those complicit with sex crime cover ups.

He gently moves aside a few bishops who are too stern in their demeanor or too ostentatious in their dress. But he won’t act against bishops who are too close to child molesting clerics, too reckless with kids’ safety or too callous toward wounded victims.

The well-being of vulnerable children should trump the re-organization of church finances.

Fewer Catholics leave due to monetary scandals. More leave due to child sex scandals. Any “reform” efforts should start there.

Pope Francis has spoken several times about his priorities – a focus on the poor, priests close to their flocks, a dedication to service instead of careerism. But by neglecting the clergy sex abuse and cover up crisis, the Pope is revealing that his priorities need re-alignment too.

Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell,[email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, [email protected])


Showing 1 comment

  • Marcene Magadance
    commented 2014-01-16 09:26:11 -0600
    It is time to explain what sexual child abuse (rape) by the Catholic Church costs the world. And for us to explain, in detail, what rape does to child. This is about human rights – not money.

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