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Pope Francis normally won't stop talking. He's picked a funny time to go silent

by Becket Adams

August 30, 2018 01:08 PM

For a guy who loves to talk, Pope Francis sure has picked a funny time to be silent.

The Holy Father dodged questions this weekend about an 11-page document alleging he knowingly enabled and empowered sexual predators in the Catholic Church. The New York Times weirdly characterized the pope's non-response as taking “ the high road,” but it's hard to reconcile this description with the role Francis is supposed to play for the Catholic faithful around the world.

The accusation, penned by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, alleges a conspiracy of child sexual abuse spanning the globe. It alleges a conspiracy of silence and complicity within the Vatican. It also alleges Francis personally empowered known abusers, granting them the ability to handpick bishops in the United States.

It’s serious stuff, and it deserves a serious response from the Vatican. But so far, Francis has opted not to address any of it.

“[R]ead the statement attentively and make your own judgment,” the pope told journalists on Aug. 26, according to a Catholic News Service report.

"I will not say a single word on this," he added. "I think this statement speaks for itself, and you have the sufficient journalistic capacity to draw conclusions. When some time passes and you have your conclusions, maybe I will speak. But I would like that your professional maturity carries out this task."

This is an abdication of responsibility, and it is testing Catholics' faith. Francis is not acting like the shepherd of the people of God. He is acting like a feeble politician who is looking to buy time while using the press’ deep-rooted prejudices against his critics.

In contrast, Vigano, who national newsrooms have tried very hard to paint as a vindictive, homophobic, and conspiratorial lunatic, participated in a lengthy interview this week, answering several questions regarding the veracity of his letter. That's more than any Vatican official can say.

Pope Francis’ non-response this weekend is especially frustrating, considering his penchant for sloppily expressed public positions that routinely lead to misleading and poorly informed news cycles. When it comes to climate change, immigration reform, priestly celibacy, same-sex marriage, weapons manufacturers, etc., Francis is often willing to rush in, as critics might put it, without too much circumspection.

In fact, in the very same press conference this weekend where he refused to comment on the Vigano letter , Francis was quick to answer a question about what parents should do should they learn their child is gay.

"What would I say to a parent whose son or daughter had that tendency? I would say first, pray. Don't condemn. Dialogue, understand, make room for that son or daughter, make room so he can express himself," Francis said. "I would never say silence is a remedy … [and] to ignore one's son or daughter who has a homosexual tendency is a failure of fatherhood or motherhood."

Hey, Father, speaking of silence never being the remedy: Were you aware in 2013 that former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick sexually abused male seminarians and minors? What did you know about former Cardinal George Pell, the Vatican’s third-most powerful official? What about the 31 Chilean bishops who tendered their resignations this year?

Francis’ titles include “Vicar of Jesus Christ,” “Successor of the Prince of the Apostles,” and “Servant of the servants of God.” He is the shepherd to a flock that numbers in the billions.

Now would be a good time for him to step up and act like it.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/pope-francis-normally-wont-stop-talking-hes-picked-a-funny-time-to-go-silent