Vatican City, Aug 21, 2018 / 12:53 pm
A member of Pope Francis' commission for the protection of minors said Tuesday that the role bishops and superiors have played in the crisis of clerical sex abuse must be made explicit if change is to take place.
In comments to CNA Aug. 21, Myriam Wijlens said the text of Francis' letter on recent clerical abuse revelations "does not contain the words 'bishop,' 'superior,' and 'leadership,'" though it was implied, but "necessary conversion requires that these words find explicit articulation."
"It is an important step in creating a culture of accountability," she noted. A member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) and a canon lawyer, Wijlens said for justice to be carried out, "more steps" must follow.
"Create clear institutions where complaints against bishops and superiors can be brought forward, provide for truly independent investigations, and hold those who cover up accountable," she advised.