Ed Pentin of the National Catholic Register, the best and most reliable working Vaticanista, has received and released an 11-page testimony from Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former Nuncio to these USA. Viganò reveals a great deal about who knew what about The Present Crisis, and what they did or didn’t do with that information.
The report is shocking. The report left me deeply saddened. The report is going to be extreme medicine for what ails the Body of Christ, the Church. As Augustine reported, “the doctor doesn’t stop cutting just because the patient is screaming for him to stop”.
I read the whole report, which is available online. Pentin’s article is HERE. The testimony HERE. It was translated by Diane Montagna of LifeSite.
Viganò is absolutely reliable.
Quotes:
I had always believed and hoped that the hierarchy of the Church could find within itself the spiritual resources and strength to tell the whole truth, to amend and to renew itself. That is why, even though I had repeatedly been asked to do so, I always avoided making statements to the media, even when it would have been my right to do so, in order to defend myself against the calumnies published about me, even by high-ranking prelates of the Roman Curia. But now that the corruption has reached the very top of the Church’s hierarchy, my conscience dictates that I reveal those truths….
…
Pope Benedict had imposed on Cardinal McCarrick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis: the Cardinal was to leave the seminary where he was living, he was forbidden to celebrate [Mass] in public, to participate in public meetings, to give lectures, to travel, with the obligation of dedicating himself to a life of prayer and penance.
…
Cardinal Wuerl, well aware of the continuous abuses committed by Cardinal McCarrick and the sanctions imposed on him by Pope Benedict, transgressing the Pope’s order, also allowed him to reside at a seminary in Washington D.C. In doing so, he put other seminarians at risk.
…
The appointments of Blase Cupich to Chicago and Joseph W. Tobin to Newark were orchestrated by McCarrick, Maradiaga and Wuerl, united by a wicked pact of abuses by the first, and at least of coverup of abuses by the other two. Their names were not among those presented by the Nunciature for Chicago and Newark.
…
Pope Francis has repeatedly asked for total transparency in the Church and for bishops and faithful to act with parrhesia. The faithful throughout the world also demand this of him in an exemplary manner. He must honestly state when he first learned about the crimes committed by McCarrick, who abused his authority with seminarians and priests.
In any case, the Pope learned about it from me on June 23, 2013 and continued to cover for him. He did not take into account the sanctions that Pope Benedict had imposed on him and made him his trusted counselor along with Maradiaga.
…
Now in the United States a chorus of voices is rising especially from the lay faithful, and has recently been joined by several bishops and priests, asking that all those who, by their silence, covered up McCarrick’s criminal behavior, or who used him to advance their career or promote their intentions, ambitions and power in the Church, should resign.
…
In this extremely dramatic moment for the universal Church, he must acknowledge his mistakes and, in keeping with the proclaimed principle of zero tolerance, Pope Francis must be the first to set a good example for cardinals and bishops who covered up McCarrick’s abuses and resign along with all of them.
I fully expect that the Devil will lash out viciously, through his human agents, at anyone involved in this, including of course Viganò, Petin, the translator Diane Montagna… me for reading it aloud and anyone else who refers to it. The Devil, the Enemy, is surely grafted onto the homosexual network and is surely, if not possessing some of the ring-leaders, oppressing and obsessing them into carrying out their bidding. Kick the snake, and the snake lashes out.
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UPDATE
Reactions.
Last tweet: @austeni (one of Pope Francis' top apologists) joins @JamesMartinSJ in deleting any mention of the +Vigano letter and goes radio silent (before and after photos of deleted tweet): pic.twitter.com/yPaNInTZTq
— Thomas Peters (@AmericanPapist) August 26, 2018
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And I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Lord help us.
Father, this is what I fear will happen:
1. There is going to be an all-out onslaught by the Church’s progressive movement, and its allies in the liberal media, to smear and discredit Vigano. E.g. ‘he just has an axe to grind’ and ‘he tried to cover up Neinstadt’
2. The bad Cardinals and Bishops in our Church will attack Vigano, and the good ones will remain silent out of fear.
3. Vigano will be left alone on an island to endure the horrible things that are about to be directed at him.
4. There will be intense pressures placed on him by corrupt figures high up the in Vatican, and Vigano will eventually be forced to recant his statements and apologize.
5. Everything will get swept under the rug, and the Velvet Mafia in our Church will continue to operate as it has to this point.
Please, Lord Jesus, let me be wrong.
Lash out as he may –
Still no match for the Heel of Our Blessed Mother
“The appointments of Blase Cupich to Chicago and Joseph W. Tobin to Newark were orchestrated by McCarrick, Maradiaga and Wuerl, united by a wicked pact of abuses by the first, and at least of coverup of abuses by the other two. Their names were not among those presented by the Nunciature for Chicago and Newark.”
His Holiness can immediately begin correcting this problem by accepting the resignation of Cardinal Wuerl, which Francis has been sitting on for three years. And then appoint a holy priest as successor to begin making amends.
Also by removing Cupich, Tobin and Maradiaga from their lofty heights. I doubt he will do this. But it is the minimum in light of the quoted portion of the article.
JMJ
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
I read, downloaded and saved the PDF of the English translation (available on Lifesite.) I have also read the commentary at various places the letter has been posted–OnePeterFive, CM, Lifesite, and others. This is astounding–what we feared but hoped was not so. The impact of the letter will be fearsome, no matter what tactic the Vatican takes. I believe His Excellency. Eleazar, the elderly priest of Macabees fame who spit out the pork that he was force fed in the temple rather than pretend to eat it in order to extend his life a few years comes to mind. Holy Mother Church, and we, the living bricks, are in for a rough ride. I hope we are up to it. Lord, have Mercy on us, and on the whole world. But especially on His Excellency Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Cardinals Burke, Sarah, and other faithful Cardinals , and on Father Z and the other good priests and Bishops.
Enough. It is the same blindingly obvious pattern we have been seeing with Pope Francis. I am stunned but not surprised. Let him resign and live a life of prayer and penance and pray for true, not false Mercy. May God bless Abp Vigano, a brave and good man, a great man maybe. I believe him 100%.
It was only a matter of time before this came out. It’s a good year for a schism I guess.
Crazy Kasper is next.
As profoundly unsettling as this report is by Archbishop Viganò, it is the first response to this gross scandal to have real impact. God reward him abundantly, and may all his climactic admonitions be acted upon and come to fruition.
Sometimes the fig tree must come down.
I have begun and will finish reading the whole thing after Mass tomorrow.
The Church is a field hospital, the surgeon doesn’t stop cutting, and strong men are needed to hold the wriggling patient down. In other words, don’t let this story get swept under the rug but get it out far and wide — share with local media outlets even.
The surgeon loves his patient and does what must be done in order for the patient to be well.
May the Lord’s strong right arm protect those brave souls who are shining the light on the rot so that the surgeon might cut with justice. May the Lord give us the strength to endure the knife.
Saint Michael the ArchAngel,
defend us in battle
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host- by the Divine Power of God –
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits , who roam throughout the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
May Our Lady cover with her mantle of Protection, Archbishop Vigano , Edward Pentin, John Henry Western of Lifesite news, Fr Z and all who are shining the light on these evil doings.
I am praying the Memorare daily, and will add all those who are instrumental in the publication of Archbishop Vigano to my petitions to Our Blessed Mother.
Is this the moment Our Lady predicted at Akita? Is fire coming down from the sky next? Must go to confession tomorrow!
If Burke, Sarah can’t get the snake out of the hole, then do we all go join the SSPX? How long do we give our own Bishops the declare where they stand? If a Bishop is silent now, that will be very telling in and of itself….Wow, wow, wow. Our Lady please keep and protect your instrument Bishop Vigano!
I am praying to the Lord, and have been for some time, that
He may bless His Church with a Vicar like Pope St. Pius X.
The only way to cleanse the Church is to have a strong and faithful pontiff,
one whose heart is dedicated solely to pleasing God. The filth in the Church
has reached an unprecendented level. Very few prelates in the Church
can be trusted. We need divine assistance so very much. +JMJ+
Well, you know what: life is shorter than you think, and none of us leave this Rock called Earth alive. pope Francis can say anything he wants to appease the faithful, but his actions in appointing gay-friendly prelates speak louder than his words. Dante put many popes in his Inferno.
“Enough. It is the same blindingly obvious pattern we have been seeing with Pope Francis. I am stunned but not surprised. Let him resign and live a life of prayer and penance and pray for true, not false Mercy. May God bless Abp Vigano, a brave and good man, a great man maybe. I believe him 100%.”
Exactly. There is a clear pattern here with Barros, Ricca, Maradiaga, Danneels – he doesn’t seem bothered by allegations of abuse, cover-ups or homosexual relationships as long as the perpetrators are on his side of the idle ideologically. I believe Archbishop Vigano, not least because his story makes sense as part of that pattern. If it’s true, Pope Francis must resign. I miss Pope Benedict. I can’t help but think if he’d never resigned, things would be so much better now.
This is earth-shattering, and to my mind finally enables the reports like « The Dictator Pope » to be deemed credible…
Please don’t worry about the Devil… He can’t really hurt you, and if he does, God will only allow it in a way that will eventually bring much good. And the Church needs suffering servants more than anything right now. So whatever you do to anger the devil, it will be a big win for the Church. When we are doing God’s will, the Devil can only score own goals.
Be bold, people like Jordan Peterson who are calmly and fearlessly publicly facing down terrible potential and actual suffering for what is right are having a tremendous invigorating effect on a tremendous amount of people.
At last we have moved from the time when, apart from the Four Cardinals and Bishop Schneider, not a single prelate was willing to speak up.
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Perhaps the Holy Spirit prompted Benedict to resign (although I believe his resignation was invalid) so that this scandal could cleanse all the filth out of the Church!
Lizzy, isn’t it clear B16 resigned because he could do nothing about it? He couldn’t even remove mccarrick’s red hat. He couldn’t get mccarrick to live up to the censure imposed. Read the letter, look at the dates. And realize how much they all knew. He knew, too, and changed nothing.
B16 resigned to show the world popes can resign and spend their lives in penance and prayer. And therefore to open the door for this one resigning..
“…appointments of Blase Cupich to Chicago and Joseph W. Tobin to Newark were orchestrated by McCarrick, Maradiaga and Wuerl, …”
Who will take up the cause to explain the placements of McElroy and Farrrell?
[Did you read or listen?]
I can’t take much more of this
We need to pray for the Catholic Church like we never have before.
I am left wondering if Pope Benedict’s resignation made it possible for the travesties to be exposed? The Devil shows us what he is up to.
I am old enough to recall Pope John Paul I’s unexpected death. That event led to Saint Pope John Paul The Great. Perhaps we are witnessing the sowing of the seeds of a wonderful future? Perhaps we are also witnessing the separation of the wheat from the chaff?
The situation with former Abp Nienstedt will indeed be used against Viganò – but actually, an outside investigation was carried out and the results, which found Nienstedt innocent of wrong doing and victim of a campaign of calumny and fraud (probably initiated by a gay group in Detroit because he opposed same-sex “marriage”), were given to Viganò. However, Nienstedt was also accused of covering up or not taking seriously reports on the acts of various priests – although they had happened before his arrival in the diocese – and this was the reason he resigned in 2015.
He had attracted a lot of fire, not only for his opposition to the growing homosexualization of everything, but for things like his criticism of Nancy Pelosi’s “pro-abortion Catholic” politician stance, his opposition to the dehydration of Terri Schiavo, etc. His predecessor, Harry Flynn, had been quite liberal and obviously had left a very corrupt diocese behind him, and they had the knives out for Nienstedt immediately. So there’s more to the story than it seems. Somewhat like the situation with Pell.
That said, yes, I think Viganò had better get a food taster. Things are going to get roiugh for him.
The last Conclave was quick to elect Pope Francis. Since then, half the electors were picked by Pope Francis. Unless the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel collapses upon their heads, the Swiss guards revolt with bloodshed, or other such destructive event, I see no reason to have confidence in his successor.
For the first time, I am actually excited and very interested in hearing about pope Francis’ in flight press conference later today.
Praise God! The cat is finally out of the bag. God bless Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò! Prayers for all of the weary warriors, faithful Catholics, and voices crying out in the wilderness like Father Z…
Help is on its way. Prayers for Cardinal Robert Sarah!
This is incredibly sad.
One even starts to wonder — is Pope Francis a homosexual ?
He’s certainly the worst Pope we’ve had since at least the mid-18th Century — his “who am I to judge ?” is little short from a masterclass in Relativist Heresy.
Father, never kick a snake; cut its head off.
We are in a state of affairs where one of the fiercest opponents of clerical pederasty, Cardinal Pell, is on trial and being accused of what any Christian must hate, whilst a sitting Roman Pontiff is excusing actual, documented real cases in high-ranking Prelates for the purposes of a worldly, unchristian, anti-Christian political agenda seeking to destroy the Orthodoxy of the Faith.
Acting in this manner constitutes, objectively, the Heresy of Americanism, whereby worldly political ideas, arrived at from “democratic” “consultation” (in this case, the pro-gay “who am I to judge ?” political ideology), are imposed in substitution against the Revelation of our Christ.
Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith : 7. The Church, obedient to the Lord who founded her and gave to her the sacramental life, celebrates the divine plan of the loving and live-giving union of men and women in the sacrament of marriage. It is only in the marital relationship that the use of the sexual faculty can be morally good. A person engaging in homosexual behaviour therefore acts immorally.
8. (…) Nevertheless, increasing numbers of people today, even within the Church, are bringing enormous pressure to bear on the Church to accept the homosexual condition as though it were not disordered and to condone homosexual activity. Those within the Church who argue in this fashion often have close ties with those with similar views outside it. These latter groups are guided by a vision opposed to the truth about the human person, which is fully disclosed in the mystery of Christ. They reflect, even if not entirely consciously, a materialistic ideology which denies the transcendent nature of the human person as well as the supernatural vocation of every individual.
The Church’s ministers must ensure that homosexual persons in their care will not be misled by this point of view, so profoundly opposed to the teaching of the Church. But the risk is great and there are many who seek to create confusion regarding the Church’s position, and then to use that confusion to their own advantage.
It was the headline on The Catholic Herald and NC Register, but the third story down at NCR, where they didn’t include “Francis” in the title, but rather “the Vatican covers the MacCarrick scandal for years”
So as a comment previously suggested, this disaster is going to further divide the Church over ideological lines.
God help us.
We need somebody to really get to the bottom of this. Somebody with substance. Experienced, independent, respected by everybody. Cardinal Müller still doesn’t have a job, right? He would be just the man to take charge of some kind of…Müller investigation…
Francis brought disgraced Daneels up after his known sex abuse scandal coverups…and made him a personal advisor and appointed him to participate in the synod on the family.
Francis brought disgraced priest “Don Mercedez” (Mauro Inzoli) BACK into active ministry in summer 2017 after B16 knocked him down (because Coccopolermo recommended it)….and then Inzoli was convicted civilly of abusing minors and had to be re-defrocked again a year later.
Francis personally backed Barros in that whole controversy, basically going on record saying everyone accusing Barros were calumniators….then had to recant when the truth was too obvious and the bad press too intense.
Now Vigano says Francis ignored personally presented information about Mccarrick years ago and that Framcis intentionally undid the quiet command to penitential life demanded by B16 to McCarrick. Francis had McCarrick visit China for Holy See…and allowed McCarrick to go on to singularly influence the selection of numerous heterodox Episcopal appointments OUTSIDE the system of the the College of Bishops whose job it is to more transparent ensure good bishops are selected.
Cupich, Weurl, “Good-night Baby” Tobin (who I had for a time in Indianapolis where he spouted heterodox statements about women), Maradiagara, Daneels, Barros….these people are the progressive corrupt heart of the present crisis. These are “Francis’s men”.
This my friends is a sickening pattern of abetting abusers and the other abetters le abusers. This is a pattern of ignoring the normal chains of administrative action that ensure transparency in Episcopal selections. This is the rotted core of what led to the abuse crisis crescendo and more examples of Francis behaving like a South American dictator. I now have zero trust that Francis has the interest of the laity in mind.
I am just not sure what else there is to say.
I have been praying and fasting. I will continue to offer up my sacrifices in the hope more Viganòs will step forward and speak and their combined testimony cannot be ignored.
What we need is an Inquisition.
Just finished reading Vigano’s Testimony. It is devastating to find that, in addition to so many wolves in sheep’s clothing out among the sheep, there’s a wolf in shepherd’s clothing in charge of guarding them all.
The most likely outcome: nothing will happen, except Vigano will be severely punished.
The Pope resign? Ha. Not this one. The Pope forced out? By whom, exactly? Certainly not those who managed his election.
The old men will die off, their carefully chosen successors are already in place to be elevated. This will be a long war.
Particularly of note in Archbishop Viganò’s testimony regarding the malpractice of individuals in high places is his pointed citation of the Jesuits and their lowly confrere one James Martin.
Bullseye.
In case anyone wonders, this is not the Vigano who edited Benedict’s letter in a questionable way.
[Right. THAT Vigano was/is involved in the Vatican’s communications field. He also has a rep, btw, and the Pope sheltered him after his book debacle with Benedict.]
“Birds of a feather flock together.” Many have been rightfully questioning Bergoglio for many years.
Fr. Z. wrote, “I fully expect that the Devil will lash out viciously, through his human agents, at anyone involved in this, including of course Viganò, Petin, the translator Diane Montagna… me for reading it aloud and anyone else who refers to it.”
Not only do they “lash out”, but the Devil’s agents will likely seek revenge, and they utilize half-truths as a means to seek that revenge. I have been the victim of the Devil’s agents, and they are currently using half-truths in attempt to get their revenge. Satan’s agents are masters of spinning, or at least masters of attempting at spinning, half-truths into blatant lies.
Bergloglio has a lot of supporters in the world. And many are not good people.
Francis will try to brazen this out, helped by all his allies in the legacy media. Personally, out of curiousity, I’m at the WMF NOM in the Phoenix Park, grim.
Very sad.
“Viganò is absolutely reliable.” I have no doubt.
But LifeSite definitely is not! This is not intended to disparage Diane Montagna in any way.
[Diane, whom I know personally, is. And so is Ed Pentin at the NatCathRegister.]
Bishop of Tyler has already responded. Hope others follow. Burke needs to act.
https://www.dioceseoftyler.org/news/2018/08/bishop-stricklands-public-statement-to-the-diocese/
It’s now verified, the extent to which this papacy has actively tried to undermine the previous one.
Vigano’s statement was signed on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart (old calendar), and the Feast of the Queenship of Mary (new calendar). I think it is safe to say that the she is moving against the brood of vipers who have been strangling the Church for decades.
The Lord is casting the mighty from their thrones, at Our Lady’s request, in front of our very eyes.
God bless Vigano and keep him safe. May other prelates grow a backbone as well.
Keep up your prayers and penance for the sanctification of the Church! Things will probably continue to get worse before they get better, but this gift from Our Lady shows that she has not abandoned her children.
I read the whole testimony. My reaction wasn’t surprise or shock; my reaction was “It is about time!” Most of the names he mentions I have hollered about for years and made a lot of enemies doing so but I didn’t care. Jesus made enemies too so I felt I was in good company. I never have trusted this Pope since he told of stealing the cross he wears off a corpse. And then it all got worse. Every one of those mentioned and no telling how many more need to go. Bring on Cardinal Sarah, the next Pope!
I have a deep seated hate for “the actions” of anyone that abuses children, especially clergy or religious. Since names are being called out…my little brother was molested by Fr. C Richard Nowery from about 8 to 12 years of age. No one believed him and told him he shouldn’t make up lies about a priest. Well, because of it he was taken to a doctor and they put him on some kind of medicine and he used to beg mom not to make him take it because he would become a drug addict and guess what? He did! He died at 47 years old. I have kept up with this Nowery and God has finally taken him off this earth on April 22, 2018. He can’t harm anyone now. I was happy because now he knows the damage he caused to my brother and the others he molested. Justice is served.
Oh and by the way Fr. Z, that picture that comes up on the top of the blog of the Pope looking out from behind the book has always given me the creeps. It is like he is being sneaky and looking to see if someone notices what he is doing.
Bishop Strickland of Tyler (TX) has made a statement, calling the allegations credible.
https://www.dioceseoftyler.org/news/2018/08/bishop-stricklands-public-statement-to-the-diocese/
“I miss Pope Benedict. I can’t help but think if he’d never resigned, things would be so much better now.”
I miss him too. But the precedent he set by resigning can now be followed by Pope Francis.
Thanks be to God! A spade is a spade. Those who have been saying, all these years, that the corruption goes all the way to the top, now have a person who provides evidence (not merely someone who knows) to support their claim.
Let us pray for the Holy Father, and for all those who have cooperated in the perpetrating of evil.
May God grant them conversion of heart, not merely regret at having been caught and exposed.
Let us pray for those who have been injured by the evil Vigano describes, that they may be given serenity of heart and the ability to forgive.
Let us pray for the fellow-travelers (I’ve been hearing Josh McElwee on the radio this morning) who will try to “sweep it under the rug”, as another poster put it, that they may receive the gift of fortitude to face the reality of what they’re trying to dismiss.
I pray heartily that Our Lady, crusher of the head of the serpent, will continue to strengthen Vigano and all those who come to his aid in rooting out this decay. For the first time in years, I have hope that things will finally change. Please, God, let it be so!
“Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:
And perfect the same which thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself. Things set on fire and dug down shall perish at the rebuke of thy countenance. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself. And we depart not from thee, thou shalt quicken us: and we will call upon thy name. O Lord God of hosts, convert us: and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.” (Ps 79:15-20)
If you haven’t yet resolved to fast and offer up sacrifices in your lives in reparation for the evils committed by these men, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT. These will be our tools of battle for the ugly war that has now been joined! Hagan lio!
“This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mk 9:28)
It isn’t over yet! Check CNA for the list of those chosen by Pope Francis to do the new investigation. We must pray and keep the Faith no matter what comes. When one knows history one knows that God wins!!!
These are credible accusations and those accused should step aside while they are investigated. The NcR and the like are in a real bind. They have constantly called out those who shame the victims who bring evil actions to light.
They now find themselves in the ironic position of doing just that- to use their term – victim shaming. This week they will tear Vigano apart and point out the slightest inconsistency. If they do this they will reveal themselves to be the frauds we suspected them to be.
It’s on CBS news, so it’s going mainstream. It’s going to be taken seriously by the media, and that tells us how big this is. They would bury it if it were possible, because they adore homosexuality.
Abp. Vigano, may God bless him and keep him. He will be a pariah, but a hero to faithful Catholics. He has done his duty like a Marine sergeant. He cared more for Christ and His Church than his own comfort. I praise God for such a man! We waited for his appearance, and He has sent the man.
His account is stunning in it’s detail, accuracy, and linguistic finesse. His credibility and insight is unimpeachable. We are watching a most historic moment in the history of the church. My husband is telling me as I type this the New York Times is already insinuating something negative about Abp. Vigano. Of course, here comes damage control. But the lid is off.
This may result in the pope resigning, please God, and many of his minions, please God, but the cabal is still there and they are strong and determined to have their homosexual church and life on our dime. This won’t solve it by a longshot, but we’ll take today’s victory.
“Pope Francis knew about strict canonical sanctions imposed on McCarrick by Pope Benedict XVI but chose to repeal them.”
The liberals are really taking it in the neck here, (thank GOD) those appointments of Cardinals by Francis, via McCarrick should be no surprise. When Cupich was moved to Chicago, it was a real kick in the gut, It was rumored, (now granted rumored) he was in trouble during the Pontificate of Pope Benedict, glad to see Cupich go, but poor Chicago folks. We all know that Our Beloved Pope Benedict took care of matters in a very quiet way. Sanctions on McCarrick by Pope Benedict and then repealed by Francis, again the liberal agenda, by a liberal pope. Lets pray for more resignations of Cardinals and Bishops who need to be removed. And Our Lord continues to Cleanse HIS Church.
Everyone has expressed my thoughts already. I would just emphasize that we ask the Blessed Mother continually to crush this evil under her heel, and for her to cover with her mantle all these good men such as Vigano, Morlino, Palka (one of the first priests, along with Father Z, to write publicly about the real problem), and of course, Father Z and all the rest of the “good ones”!
“I miss Pope Benedict. I can’t help but think if he’d never resigned, things would be so much better now.”
I love Pope Benedict. He is one of the primary reasons that I finally got off my duff and joined the Church. But, assuming Vígano’s report is true, Pope Benedict was too frail to lead the Church. If Bertone, et al., could keep important information from him, and effectively block those parts of the Papal program that they wanted to block, then he was not the person to stand up to the wolves.
I believe Pope Benedict’s resignation was an act of love and courage. He did not flee from the wolves, but realized that he could not fight them.
He can, however, be faulted for failing to insure that his position was strong enough that the wolves would not prevail at the next conclave. Having been exposed to the corruption in the Church via the 300-page dossier, and knowing the strength of the wolves, he should have done something more. Maybe publish the dossier and then resign?
I’ve also had the feeling for a while that Georg Ratzinger’s connection to the abuse in the Regensburg Cathedral choir may have been an issue too. He was never implicated in anything except corporal punishment, but his enemies could certainly have made a huge deal out of it, and probably made that clear – at least tacitly.
yatzer says:
And I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Lord help us.
Worse? I loved the Vigano’ statement. I have known for almost 40 years this garbage has been going on in the Church. Nothing was done, except that now and then a grass fire was extinguished, with the assurance that it was an isolated case. It wasn’t.
Deo gratias. Deo gratias. Deo gratias.
Lurker says,
The Church is a field hospital, the surgeon doesn’t stop cutting, and strong men are needed to hold the wriggling patient down. In other words, don’t let this story get swept under the rug but get it out far and wide — share with local media outlets even.
I have said here before that the field hospital is an incomplete metaphor to describe the Church.
Anyone who has ever served in the military knows that there is extensive training/education so that personnel do not become become patients from combat or certain “social” activities. For some time there has been a movement in the Church to suppress this education and training. JPII and BXVI tried to limit its influence, but Francis allowed it to crawl out from under its rock.
Have you read some of the comments from Edward Pentin’s article or some of the tweets from liberal sites. People are ugly and mean. Blaming BXVI and JPII. Blaming this Cardinal for speaking out, accusing him of being disgruntled and vindictive.
No one wants to believe Pope Francis can do wrong. No one wants to believe he doesn’t have an agenda.
From The Return of the King: “Bywater is up. We must be in it!”
Surprised it is Vigano striking the blow, but sadly not surprised by the message. I wonder why Benedict did not make the sanctions against McCarrick public as he did with Maciel.
The Testimony represents a seminal moment in the draining of the Vatican’s swamp of sexual abuse and coverups. Pope Francis must abdicate and his Cardinal accomplices must resign. Zero Tolerance.
Has anyone read the Fishwrap account on this? I think they are questioning whether Pope Benedict actually imposed sanctions. They say several of Vigano’s claims are “contradicted by the historical record.” Of course I expect them to poke holes where they can and there is plenty of reason to doubt their reliability. But we’ll need to be on guard.
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Vigano accuses Bertone of filtering the information given to Benedict XVI. Wasn’t Bertone also the one who released the official text of the third secret of Fatima?
Does anyone still think it is ok for Benedict to be kept in the care of these people?
Deo Gratias for Abp. Vigano. Pope Francis and others should resign. God bless our faithful bishops and priests.
The Bishop of Tyler has responded. Tyler is the diocese of refuge for most of the top shelf (Orthodox) priests in Texas.
It will be very interesting to see if and how Pope Francis tries to tough this out. His position politically is untenable. He has been directly implicated in the corruption that enabled ex-Cardinal McCarrick to wield power in the Church after the ex-Cardinal’s wrongdoing was known. Resignation is the only way out of the political problem that this poses. Pope Francis however is exceedingly cunning and is not at all afraid of using his absolute papal power of governance. If he can tough it out, he will. The question is, can he?
If (how I hope!) this is the beginning of a great conversion and a thorough cleansing of the temple, we must now be careful to restrain ourselves from unholy anger and bitter revenge. Before the broom will be swept not clods but men, into the midden not dust but souls. Though the word has been abused by the cynical, we must know He is watching and show true mercy without limit.
Abp. Vigano was the nuncio I was going to write to after being slandered and gaslighted by the Friars at my former parish and two of their superiors stonewalled and blamed me. I’m sorry I didn’t because what was done to me was an astonishing display of malignant narcissism and surely other things would have been uncovered by the nuncio such as the reason behind the abusive behavior. As I read in a letter from a priest in his parish bulletin last week, I’m glad this is finally being exposed and called by its true name.
U.S. bishop: ‘They are still allegations but as your shepherd I find them to be credible’
Hours after the story broke, we now have the first significant episcopal response to the allegations by Archbishop Viganò, from Bishop Joseph Strickland in Tyler, Texas.
While there are still a lot of unanswered questions about this story—and strong skepticism in some quarters— the bishop is nonetheless posting the letter from the former nuncio on the diocesan website, and directing his response to be mentioned at all parishes and included in all websites:
Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and all Holy Faithful of the Diocese of Tyler,
A letter (see below) by Archbishop Vigano, former Nuncio to the United States, raises grave allegations and calls for the resignation of numerous high ranking prelates including Pope Francis.
Let us be clear that they are still allegations but as your shepherd I find them to be credible. Using this standard the response must be a thorough investigation similar to those conducted any time allegations are deemed to be credible. I do not have the authority to launch such an investigation but I will lend my voice in whatever way necessary to call for this investigation and urge that it’s findings demand accountability of all found to be culpable even at the highest levels of the Church.
As this unfolds I urge all in the Diocese of Tyler to pray fervently for Holy Mother Church and beg the Intercession of Our Blessed Mother. We are the flock of Jesus Christ. He is Lord of His Church and His Holy Spirit will guide us through this darkness.
Almighty God Father, Son and Spirit have mercy on your Church and cleanse her in the fires of your Love.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Pray for us
All Sainted Popes & Bishops in Heaven, Pray for us
All Holy Men and Women, Pray for us
I direct all priests to include this notice in the masses on August 26, and post it on their websites and other social media immediately.
Most Reverend Joseph E. StricklandBishop of Tyler
At least Holy Father PF accepted “Archbishop” McCarrick’s resignation pretty sharpish, even if only to avoid embarrassment.
But more to the point: Has anyone in Rome been allowed to set a date yet — for the canonical trial? Even if MrMcC gets off on a technicality, or without being degraded or laicised, he ought still to be “handed over to the secular arm” without risk of a lengthy extradition process.
For all the others, exile to Patagonia might not be a bad idea. Tierra del Fuego, even.
Of course the MSM is going to cover this as this rings totally true. And it directly involves Pope Francis. Clear and unambiguous and I know many posters have been avoiding it but it is now as clear as day. I actually don’t think there is historical precedent for this. This is as big a crisis as the Church has ever had.
Elizabeth above said it well. I believe it and it rings completely true and everybody senses and knows it but it is a very sad and depressing thought …devastating
I suspected that something like this would be made known. While I think some guilty might survive I do believe this situation is unlike the ones we have constantly suffered since the 70’s. How many articles did I read about the ruination of parishes and dioceses and nothing ever changed? Then John Paul II came along like a breath of air and finally we thought it’s over. We have our church back. Nope. These priests and bishops were just biding their time. But what’s different? The laity. We can use the media too now. No more complaining to the local bishop and being ignored.
It’s really on us now. We can’t wait for someone else to take care of this. We the faithful- our time is now.
JMJ pray for us.
We must all offer our prayers and gratitude for Archbishop Carlos Maria Vigano. Our Lord looks our for us by using such a courageous and honest man. May Heaven protect him.
I tend to find myself agreeing with the sentiment that anyone who owes their red hat to McCreeperPants should resign immediately. Some are going so far as to say all of the Cardinals created by Pope Francis should resign, or at least refuse to participate in the conclave to elect his successor…
Btw, Charlie Antonicelli the DC Chancellor mentioned by Vigano’, used to sit next to me in class.
Semperficatholic, he has a comic book inside the hard cover book! Just trying to be funny. Though I’ve been very sick this week with muscle spasms since everything started last week with the letter I alluded to here. I need to pray more.
I don’t think the legacy media will cover for this one. They may adore the gay agenda, but they enjoy spreading chaos in the church even more.
Francis needs to go. If he has any dignity left, he will do so quickly and quietly, and retire to a remote hovel in the Argentine rainforest.
Has anyone read the Fishwrap account on this? I think they are questioning whether Pope Benedict actually imposed sanctions. They say several of Vigano’s claims are “contradicted by the historical record.” Of course I expect them to poke holes where they can and there is plenty of reason to doubt their reliability. But we’ll need to be on guard.
In a conversation with the superior general of the SSPX, Pope Benedict supposedly pointed to his office door and said “My power ends there.” And of course, we’ve seen plenty of examples of outright defiance of Vatican orders over the past fifty years. So I think it’s perfectly plausible that Benedict imposed sanctions on McCarrick, and McCarrick was able to flout them with impunity.
As for the allegations themselves, whilst they do implicate Francis in the McCarrick affair, I’m not sure they ultimately add much new information. We already knew that Francis was willing to overlook a bit of abuse if the people committing it were ideological allies (Daneels, Maradiaga, Barros, etc.), so it’s not at all surprising that he knew about McCarrick and rehabilitated him anyway.
I take a 24 hour break from the news and come back to this!
It sounds like there are some courageous bishops finding the wind in their sails. If you have anything to say, get out in front because sides are being chosen very rapidly.
I want to believe the Pope “knew nothing.” The Church certainly does not need for its earthly leader to fail in such a way. But Pope Francis has a terrible track record for denying these things for people he likes. Chile, where he supported Bishop Barros, and in Honduras with their troubles, etc.
Mary Queen of the Clergy, pray for us
St Joseph, pray for us.
Just Some Guy :
Has anyone read the Fishwrap account on this? I think they are questioning whether Pope Benedict actually imposed sanctions.
That — and complaining about Viganò’s “homophobia” — appears to be the line taken by the liberal Press generally.
I’ve little doubt of the truth of those sanctions, and so one must wonder if the USCCB and its President chose to completely ignore them.
The Catholic Church must get rid of this sect and its gurus as soon as possible.
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