What was Cardinal Bernard Law, “central figure” pedophile scandal that tells Spotlight – Periodiquito

” the Church allowed the abuses of a priest for years. ”

This was the devastating headline which the research team from The Boston Globe accused in 2002 to the Archdiocese of Boston and its highest authority, Archbishop Bernard Law, to cover child sexual abuse by one of his priests.

Although initially the daily pointed to one leader, the research culminated in a series of stories accusing the church of Boston to cover the abuse of dozens of pedophile priests between 1984 and 2002.

Law, which the Globe described as “a central figure” in the scandal, finished presenting his resignation.

the story account “Spotlight,” winning Sunday with Academy Award for best picture.

Iñárritu DiCaprio and Oscar enshrined in that crown a “Spotlight” as best film

 But the ecclesiastical career of Law was not then ended, despite the pressure he suffered had been the most influential Catholic prelate in the United States.

The resignation was accepted by the then Pope John Paul II, who had appointed him cardinal of Santa Susana in 1985, and Law made his way towards the city on the remains today.

 “Live in Rome”, he confirmed to the BBC the Vatican press office.


 Santa Maria Maggiore

In fact, after the scandal, the cardinal was appointed in May 2004 archpriest of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four most symbolic basilicas of Rome, built between 432 and 440. years

 And in April 2005, celebrated a Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The office in Santa Maria Maggiore is not particularly important within the Catholic hierarchy, it is rather honorific.

But Law not only maintained its influence but far from hiding, could be seen frequently in ecclesiastical acts or diplomats.

“it’s not lost his influence. he was a member of more congregations than any other bishop “he told the Guardian Robert Mickens, a journalist at the Vatican for years and editor of the journal Global Press, 2015.

 “Pope Francisco has done nothing to end abuses,” Peter Saunders, a member of the Vatican commission against pedophilia

 In Rome, Law became more influential even than he had been in Boston, explained in a lengthy article in September last year David Boeri, a reporter for American Public Radio (NPR) in Boston.

Law kept his place in the College of Cardinals and the Congregation for Bishops.

“what people did not understand then is that as archpriest had no power, but the charge of the Congregation of Bishops was enormously important, “he told BBC John Allen, an analyst at Vatican issues and reporter for the Boston Globe since 2014.

since there could influence the appointment of the US bishops over the years.

Law was never charged with anything or invited to testify about cases of child abuse.

“Some people said he went to Rome to avoid being judged,” says Allen, “but the Vatican always said if he had been quoted, have declared “.

However, the journalist believes that actually Law left because it became impossible for him to” work in that environment. “

Following the resignation, he wanted to play a role in the US.

“But whenever he appeared in public in the United States, a mess of protests was formed,” he says.


 “Emeritus”

 Asked about the trajectory of Law, the Vatican simply referred to the website of the Holy See Press Office, where you can see his biography.

But it is known that participated in the conclave in which Pope was elected Benedict XVI, although not in which elected Pope Francis, for then had already surpassed the 80 years age at which cardinals lose the right to elect the Pope.

and on his relationship with Francisco nothing more an anecdote reported by the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano known.

According to the newspaper, Francisco met Law in his first visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, when no longer occupied a position in the church.

Francisco away immediately and as hereby said he did not want Law continued to go to the basilica.

But the Vatican has repeatedly denied information that Allen qualifies as one of the “urban legends” published after the appointment of Pope Francisco.

Allen found repeatedly Law at diplomatic receptions and public events and, although it was always “very friendly” never he gave an interview.

the cardinal, who has not given interviews to any media, retired in November 2011, although it is still “archpriest emeritus” of the Basilica and archbishop emeritus of Boston, according to page the Holy See press office.

 BBC World

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