Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, told CNA that there has been a "concerted effort" to "unseat" Bishop Finn by those who dissent from Church teaching and are unhappy with some of the changes that he has made.
The bishop was not involved in an intentional cover-up, but was instead given inaccurate information, which delayed the diocese in its eventual decision to contact the police, Donohue said.
He also argued that the "faux protest" is the result of angry individuals with "a political agenda" trying to get people in the diocese to "mutiny against their bishop."
He said that he has visited the diocese and talked to the people, but has "seen no evidence that there is some massive rising-up of the people in anger."
Diocesan priest Father Angelo Bartulica views Bishop Finn as "a sincere and humble man" who has been misunderstood.
"I feel that through this entire process, there has been a whole lot of misinformation disseminated through the media," he said.
While the bishop has been portrayed as "somebody who had full knowledge of everything" and tried to cover it up, Fr. Bartulica thinks the chain of events has been "misrepresented."
In Fr. Bartulica's perception, the current complaints are part of a much bigger battle by those who did not like Bishop Finn to begin with and are using this as "an avenue to try to get him ousted."
He also pointed to the significant good work that the bishop has done in the diocese, such as creating initiatives to catechize the laity.
Long-time priest Monsignor William Blacet also weighed-in on the case by saying that he backs the bishop "wholeheartedly."
Approaching 91 years of age, Msgr. Blacet has been a priest for 66 years. He has worked under seven different bishops and said that he considers himself "very fortunate" to have Bishop Finn, whom he considers an "outstanding" bishop and a "holy" man.
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He said that has gotten to know the bishop "fairly well" since his appointment, and sees him as a kind and compassionate man. Similarly to Fr. Bartulica, the monsignor noted that Bishop Finn has apologized for his mistaken judgment in handling the case.
Msgr. Blacet explained that some members of the diocese were upset when the bishop was first appointed and made it clear that he was committed to Rome and the "authentic" Catholic faith.
These individuals were upset and never accepted Bishop Finn because they disagreed with him, he said. Now, they are doing harm to the Church by driving a wedge between the hierarchy and the people, while the bishop is seeking unity.
Although Msgr. Blacet believes the attacks against Bishop Finn are unwarranted, he is not discouraged, but rather sees an analogy to the sufferings and accusations that Christ bore during his passion.
"The bishop is strong," he said. "God will protect him. The Resurrection will come."
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.