Catholic abuse fallout spreads to Italy
The Catholic sex abuse scandal spread to Italy today with the bishop of the northern diocese of Bolzano apologising to victims and promising to co-operate with prosecutors.
The region's German-language newspapers have reported several cases of victims coming forward with tales of physical and sexual abuse in a convent in the 1960s.
In response Bishop Karl Golser launched an internet campaign to urge victims to come forward, setting up an email address for victims to send reports of abuse.
He expressed his "sincere regret" to all victims and said he would forward all claims of abuse that fall under the statute of limitations onto prosecutors.
Meanwhile the pope's former diocese in Munich said it was facing new allegations of physical and sexual abuse on a daily basis.
Elke Huemmeler, head of the diocese's newly founded sexual abuse prevention task force, said: "It is like a tsunami".
She estimated there were about 120 cases on the record to date, around 100 of them at monastery boarding school run by Benedictine monks.
She stressed, however, her role was not to deal with the old cases, but help set up the prevention program.
Her new Task Force on Sexual Abuse Prevention, now officially commissioned and backed by Archbishop Reinhard Marx, began work today.
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Charles Muscat
Mar 21st 2010, 20:46
What is wrong is wrong and as the Pope said in his letter, sinful. As Christians, It grieves us to know that certain individuals whom the Lord entrusted to spread his gospel, have made such shameful acts but before you all sit in judgement of others, did you hear today's gospel? "LET THOSE WITHOUT SIN THROW THE FIRST STONE." It's edifying to know that so many bloggers are sinless, good people!!
S. Vella
Mar 21st 2010, 21:19
I might not be "sinless" but you can bet your pants I'll be throwing the first stone at a convicted paedophile. These monsters deserve no less.
Charles Grixti
Mar 21st 2010, 17:24
@M. Cassar
So the question of child abuse in the Catholic Church is caused by the Media (under whose control you do not state) and not by the actual paedophile priests sexual abusing children left in their care by trusting parents and the fact that the Church's hierarchy have long known this for decades (and this is only the tip of the ice-berg, and just during last century, can you imagine what went on in centuries past?). How about the fact that bishops and Church superiors have shielded such priests by moving them around to different parishes and to top it all off, our own present Pope, as Cardinal Ratzinger was in charge of mitigating the impact of this scandal and issuing the 69-page Latin document bearing the seal of Pope John XXIII which was sent to every bishop in the world. The instructions outline a policy of ’strictest’ secrecy in dealing with allegations of abuse and threatens those who speak out with excommunication.
So many ruined lives, so many suicides caused by the shame to what happened them when children and you have the gall to put the blame somewhere else and not at the doorsteps of the Vatican.
Joseph Ellul
Mar 21st 2010, 14:44
@Emanuel Debono
Mr.Debono, I cannot agree more with you that the Catholic Church is a Holy Institution orrginating from Jesus Christ. All your coments are valid and logical, I see though you are missing a very important and conductive point, that these abuses have surfaced in many places and long time ago but the Heads of the Catholic Church chose to sweep under the carpet everything everytime sexual or physical abuse took place. If they had taken from their first case the abusor/s to the full discipline and to the state justice then there would probably be much less similar cases and ridicule to deal with. I am Catholic myself and feel ashamed that my Religious Authorities (who were always preaching and teaching against their philosophy where does that leave me to think? Would I trust my vulnerable grandchildren with those who were put there by the Authorities to educate them? definately not.How would I look at a priest every Sunday when I go to hear Mass? I feel I have been betrayed by my most spiritual leaders. I still go to church because I still believe in and love verymuch The Lord Jesus Christ.
robert grillo
Mar 21st 2010, 12:34
lets cut to the chase. I followed all international media and the local one in regards to this matter which to no surprise clearly states that child abuse is basically all over... including malta BUT we dare not speak of! Basically to put in a nut shell a group of ministers ( spiritual leaders, priests, brothers and cardinals ) in past, present and probably future are nothing but pedofiles! Yes it is a sweeping statement and i take full responsibility because honestly there is no worse disgrace for an institution and apologizing simply does not suffice. If anything one should expose them and sentence them to a jail term and ask the church for a financial compensation from all the riches they have in the vatican. I'm sure jesus would be in utmost shame if he was walking amongst us. What will it be in the future ...that the church will apologize for not sharing its FIAT shares with homeless people, or that some of the famous history book is wrongly interpreted and there is some truth in the davinci code. Not that it would make a difference but the church needs a reality check!
EMANUEL DEBONO
Mar 21st 2010, 11:09
WHEN COMMENTING ON THESE INCIDENTS PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU ARE DRAWING UP A CLEAR DISTICTION BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTERS. THE CHURCH IS A HOLY INSTITUTION WHICH KNOWS ITS ORIGIN TO JESUS CHRIST WHO DID NOT SET UP AN ABUSIVE INSTITUTION. HE SET UP A HOLY INSTITUTION TO BENEFIT ALL MANKIND.
IF ANY OF ITS MINISTERS DID COMMIT ABUSE WE SHOULD HAVE THE COURAGE TO SAY THAT IT WAS ITS MINISTERS WHO DID ERR. IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNFAIR AND ILLOGICAL TO BESMEAR THE CHURCH WITH THE CRIMES OF ITS MINISTERS , WHO, I AM SURE, WERE NOT COMMISSIONED TO INDULGE IN ABUSE BUT TO HELP HUMANITY AT LARGE. UNFORTUNATELY HOW TRUE IS THE SAYING HUMANUM EST ERRARE. BUT THIS DOES NOT HOLD FOR THE CHURCH WHICH IS A DIVINE INSTITUTION. THOSE WHO ARE ATTRIBUTING THESE ABUSES TO THE CHUIRCH ARE WILLFULLY COMMITTING THE FALLACY OF ACCUSING ONE FORE THE MISTAKES OF THE OTHER.
Daniela Attard
Mar 21st 2010, 12:48
The church... should be made up by the followers and the people, not by an institution of prudes sitting in the vatican looking pretty. There is no need for fancy churches to believe in god. God is everywhere all around us and putting human beings in charge of other human beings faith tempts human error and creates a sense of power that is unhealthy and will result in these atrocities.
The Church has become a rich business caring for its preferred few... yes there are many genuine priests and nuns and whatever but look at our lifetimes heros, for example mother theresa... she lived with nothing but her faith... look at the people in the vatican... surrounded by luxury... no knowledge of the real world... they live in a cushy world... this is not the real catholic faith nor should any other faith have such leaders. Its ridiculous and MATERIALISTIC!
ray sacco
Mar 21st 2010, 13:06
excuse me, but i thought i've heard something like: " the catholic church is not made of stone but it's alive and made of people". so now you're saying that the catholic church is not composed from people??????????? please decide!
Raymond Sammut
Mar 21st 2010, 14:08
What is being addressed here is the administrative system of affected dioceses. Your comment, in its entirety, does nothing but deflect attention from the core issue. These are minors who have been abused over decades, and they number in several hundreds across a large number of countries. One of the main reasons why this abuse on such a large scale has been occurring and veiled by church administrations is because of people like you with your kind of attitude. There is absolutely nothing "divine", none whatsoever, about the administration of a diocese. It falls under the law of the land like any other administration, and it too has to be held accountable. It's up to the affected people to speak out, rather than being intimidated and hold back like they have been doing for all these many years.
steve shaw
Mar 21st 2010, 07:13
What about in Malta? Or we are all Pure here!!!???
Who knows how many abuses had been done and still being done today! And such victims are still suffering in silence.
I wish Justice will be done on them one day. As these preist are worse then pedophiles. As they are making a darker image to Christianity and abuse by it's power.
Andre Bianchi
Mar 21st 2010, 06:33
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3335354490744010763&ei=JK-lS8CUFJnk2gKSkIWOAg&q=sex+crimes+and+the+vatican&emb=1#
ray sacco
Mar 20th 2010, 13:38
i can't help but wonder: if these perverted crimes have been and are still being committed and concealed by the catholic church authorities in the rich continents of australia, u.s.a and europe where the journalists are always on the look out for such scandals, who knows what goes on in the poor regions of africa and south america where media is inexistent and one can bribe a child with just some cheap stuff?
John Smith
Mar 20th 2010, 11:07
Perhaps Benedict XVI could ensure that Vatican treasures are sold and that the proceeds are properly managed to bring the Light of the Gospel to the world's globalized poor. And if on the way he (or his successor) should heed the advice of Clement of Alexandria (d. 212) in Stromateiae, III, xiii, all well and good.
Joe Xuereb
Mar 20th 2010, 02:55
Would it not be 'nice' to not have a religion. Then, crimes like paedophilia would be treated like any other punishable crime. Simpler. More straighforward. With none of this demonising or protecting of the Institution we call relgion. Which is only serving to keep its face clean and in so doing, detracting from the real issues. If an Institution purporting to have its followers' best interests at heart does not come up to scratch, then such an Institution should be scrutinized to see what exactly it does deliver that is benefiticial to its followers. If these too are found wanting, by commission or omission, then such an Institution would be better off scrapped. For its own sake if nothing else. I'm afraid village festas and murtali (fireworks) don't count as benefits. Not really. One must dig deeper for REAL churchy benefits.
j grech
Mar 19th 2010, 23:34
the church has done damage, in the past the catholic church and doctor banardo`s children society sent hundreds of children to australia, south africa,and many more, these children were called children of the empire these children were LIED to by the CATHOLIC church and were led to believe that their parents were dead the parents were LIED to and led to believe their children were leading happy healthy lives instead of being brutally beaten, raped ( boys as well as girls ) starved and enslaved, all proven and the apologies are comming now, yes even maltese children suffered, all true and proven my grandfathers twin brother was one of the victims at age eight sent to canada from the uk,back in the 70s i remember front page headlines here in malta eight year old girl sporting a swollen black eye given to her by one of the then blue sisters,i myself was raised for a short while in a catholic society childrens home in london all i can say is wickedness and cruelty daily,most of irelands magdalene homes closed all true and proven , YES it does exist in malta open your eyes and stop brushing all under the carpet
John Smith
Mar 19th 2010, 23:02
According to St. Paul (1 Timothy 3:2, 12, and Titus 1:6) a bishop or a deacon should be "the husband of one wife". The Catholic condition of celibacy should not be imposed a necessary condition on those wishing to serve God as priests. The Eastern Church does not impose this condition.
P Attard
Mar 19th 2010, 21:56
Those who think that this is a great consipiracy against the church should watch this documentary in Brazil:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHURRKaRPhY
JOe VELLa
Mar 19th 2010, 18:28
@Robert Henry Bugeja Stated: ''Haven't the church done enough harm already''. Allow me to ask, what sort of question is this? If there is not a hidden personal agenda in this allegation. I will stand up and say Yes the church is doing more than enough, and I believe the Good Lord saying that: 'Hell will rise and try to brake My church, but I will be with you till the end of time'. Let these allegations be proven and later let us try to see what can be done for the better of all.
Robert Agius
Mar 19th 2010, 19:57
I thought its the people who make the church and not the pope or Vatican... As an institution I rather find them to be the ones doing their best to break themselves at times.
K J Vella
Mar 19th 2010, 20:05
Dear Mr Vella So do you think that there is no truth in all this? So do you think that the people who have come forward are lying? Wake up and smell the coffee. Admittedly there may be cases which are untrue but from what I am seeing, the Church doesn't hold water any more. The church is not doing enough and it is abusing of its position. Why are people who are criminals being protected? "Hell will rise and try to break my Church". What hell has risen? What crime is more heinous then abusing children or when it is convenient we forget the teachings of Christ?
Robert Henry Bugeja
Mar 20th 2010, 07:27
Where were you in the 1960's Malta or Australia or wherever my dear saintly friend?!! Or you believe only what you want? That what the statement was refering too. And if you want to seek the truth look to God himself and the not the church cause if you really understand that statement you wrote yourself in the end you will know to whom God is referring!!
Louise Vella
Mar 19th 2010, 17:48
I'm quite sure the bishops are sorry. Sorry that the scandal saw the light of day and they can no longer sweep it under the carpet.
Robert Henry Bugeja
Mar 19th 2010, 17:45
@ any who is trying to cover for the pope and the vatican. Why can't you be just sincere for once in your lifetime and look from the perspective of a human being born under God and not the church. Haven't the church done enough harm already? You may laugh in the face of people around you but you ain't laughing in the face of God who knows the truth!
j
Mar 19th 2010, 17:31
These are very serious allegations, although one is to assume that most will be proven false. It is a pity today being the feast of 'Our Lady of Sorrow' that we are bring these claims out today. Deeply regretful it is to the church and the community of faithful to hear of these things after all in: Matthew 18:5-6 one reads 5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Keith Goodlip
Mar 19th 2010, 19:52
Who said that the bible is'nt violent?
Ian Chetcuti
Mar 21st 2010, 18:36
If these are false accusations, why are the bishops apologising?
M. Cassar
Mar 19th 2010, 17:18
Hands off the POPE and the Vatican please. Upon reading such piece of scandalous news that puts the reputation of the Vatican at stake one must stop and ask few simple questions: - Why this type of extremely filthy news comes out NOW? - Who are the beneficiaries? - Who finance, control, and dedicate the media agendas? - Is the Pope currently not in good terms with anyone? I believe when big accidents (such as Lockerbie bombing or the twin towers terrorist attack) or big events (for instance sainthood of Pius) happens there always must be a beneficiary behind the tactic used by the media. Obviously who controls the media makes sure his agenda items get a huge feedback. Will this dirty agenda of the dirty media work against the Vatican and manage to tarnish the Pope? Time will tell! To figure out who controls the media plus whom the Vatican disputing with since the WWII, probably you get a clue who are the beneficiaries. It’s not chemistry...is it?
ray sacco
Mar 20th 2010, 11:17
so you call the news and the ones who announces them dirty, filthy and scandalous!!!!!!!!!!!!! do you live in disneyland? and what about the acts committed and who committed them? you think that these allegations are all false!!!!!!! it's all just fantasy in your brains! why are you so surprised that the catholic church and it's leaders are drenched in such filth? just read about the catholic church's history. it's full of massacres, persecutions and all kinds of scandalous deeds! wake up mr. cassar!
Louise Vella
Mar 19th 2010, 17:06
The sexual abuse of children would not have been so widespread if the abusive priests had not known that they would get away with it because their bishops were more interested in covering-up for them and in preserving the reputation of the Church. When a Maltese priest is defrocked by the Vatican because of sexual abuse, the Maltese Church authorities never pass on the case to the police. No one knows who these paedophile priests are and where they live. It's not out of curiosity but so that parents can prevent further abuse and damage. When will Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi set up an independent Commission to enquire if what has happened in Catholic dioceses abroad has occurred, or is occurring, also in Malta? It is important to know the truth and to take remedial action. It is more important to make sure that such behaviour does not go on, unhindered and unchecked by the police and court authorities.
Ernest Vella
Mar 19th 2010, 16:26
Il-Knisja trid tkun ghajneja miftuhin il-hin kollu, ghax fost in-naghag u r-rghajja jista jkun hemm dawk li qed jherruha minn gewwa...F'Malta il-kazijiet s'issa kienu izolati u j
alla ma jitfaccawx ohrajn...fl-istess hin irid ikun hemm supervizjoni biex min jidhol ghall-hidma fil-Knisja ikollu l-unika raguni li jwassal lin-nies lejn Alla u mhux lejn li jserrhu s-sensi taghhom.
Il-Knisja, hija bzonnjuza u hija fid-dover li tara li min jahdem maghha jimxi fuq il-moralita taghha
ray sacco
Mar 20th 2010, 11:05
jidher li r rghajja li qed jherru lil knisja tieghek qed jizdiedu bil minuti!
A.Busuttil
Mar 19th 2010, 16:23
Only a smile we have left
what a dissapointment !!!!!!!
x'kuxenza!!
Michael Catania
Mar 19th 2010, 16:16
It seems that most of the Maltese have short memories. May I remind you that the exiastical (hope I spelled it right) court has precedencce over the Maltese Justice system and any allegations of abuse by the church fraternity is first investigated by the church and then passed to the civil authorities if any guilt is found. Thats why we don't hear of many cases happening in Malta.
Adrian Cachia
Mar 19th 2010, 15:46
@L.Vella & J.Casha
Have you forgotten about the St.Joseph Scandal a few years back?
Maria Gatt
Mar 19th 2010, 15:34
Hi Louise for all we know might be even worse. who knows? Nobody is perfect and we are certainly not perfect either unless one happend to be a born a saint.
Myrna Minkoff
Mar 19th 2010, 15:03
at least tiger woods is glad the heat is FINALLY off him!
Louise Vella
Mar 19th 2010, 14:49
How lucky and blessed we are in Malta that such things never happen in our country!
J. Casha
Mar 19th 2010, 15:29
Just because no one spoke up about it it doesn't mean it doesn't happen in malta. It takes a lot of courage to come forward on such a thing and don't forget malta is small, words spreads fast and having the courts hide your identity won't do jack.
ray sacco
Mar 20th 2010, 11:01
that's what you think! when one person came forward and accused three priests, he was taken for a ride and laughed at by everyone, including the police. but the most important thing is that some of us brag that our country is civilised and catholic!
Simon Abela
Mar 21st 2010, 07:47
I am sinner, and I deplore such acts. Ms Louse wrote thank GOD that it did not happen in Malta, yet I say you maybe you did not heard about it.
I urge the Pope to let Priest, Marry. I learned to tolerate things other don’t, such as Legalization prostitution and accept gay people, and actually I have two as my good friends. What I don’t tolerate is having sex with children or a priest having sex with boys and girls. In Florida we had a priest that fell in love with a woman, it was a big Scandal Padre Alberto, when I hear about it I smiled, told me wife that I was happy at least it was a woman not a boy.
These priest are human, I urge the church to let Priest marry. Most people think that the US controls the world. I disagree, The Vatican is the oldest Regulator, an institution where dictates how and when we should live our life’s.
Daniela Attard
Mar 21st 2010, 12:40
Never happen in Malta? has everyone forgotten a few years ago when someone spoke up?Even on Xarabank? of course these things happened in malta, apart from sexual abuse priests and nuns in schools also inflicted physical abuse on kids....