A polarizing figure, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, known for his prior role in covering up priestly sexual abuse, is set to play a key role in the funeral of Pope Francis, raising eyebrows amid ongoing discussions about accountability within the Church.
Cardinal Mahony's Role in Pope Francis' Funeral Raises Controversy
Cardinal Mahony's Role in Pope Francis' Funeral Raises Controversy
The decision to include Cardinal Mahony in the funeral proceedings highlights the complexities faced by the Church.
Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, the former archbishop of Los Angeles, is to assist in the official ceremonies surrounding Pope Francis’ funeral despite a controversial history involving the concealment of sexual abuse cases. Specifically, Mahony will take part in the casket closing at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday and the burial at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday, as announced by the Vatican.
The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, indicated that cardinals were selected to participate based on seniority. At 89 years old, Mahony led the Los Angeles archdiocese from 1985 until his retirement in 2011. Nonetheless, in 2013, the release of internal church documents linked him to a systematic effort to protect abusive priests, showing that Mahony often withheld evidence of abuse from law enforcement.
These revelations emerged during civil litigation, which ultimately resulted in the Los Angeles archdiocese paying $660 million in 2007 to settle claims from over 500 victims. More recently, the Church agreed to an additional $880 million settlement affecting 1,353 claims, highlighting the extensive and troubling patterns of abuse within the institution.
Mahony’s inclusion in Francis' funeral raises questions about the Church's commitment to transparency and accountability for past abuses. This decision not only reflects on Mahony’s controversial past but also signifies ongoing struggles for reform within the Catholic hierarchy.
The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, indicated that cardinals were selected to participate based on seniority. At 89 years old, Mahony led the Los Angeles archdiocese from 1985 until his retirement in 2011. Nonetheless, in 2013, the release of internal church documents linked him to a systematic effort to protect abusive priests, showing that Mahony often withheld evidence of abuse from law enforcement.
These revelations emerged during civil litigation, which ultimately resulted in the Los Angeles archdiocese paying $660 million in 2007 to settle claims from over 500 victims. More recently, the Church agreed to an additional $880 million settlement affecting 1,353 claims, highlighting the extensive and troubling patterns of abuse within the institution.
Mahony’s inclusion in Francis' funeral raises questions about the Church's commitment to transparency and accountability for past abuses. This decision not only reflects on Mahony’s controversial past but also signifies ongoing struggles for reform within the Catholic hierarchy.
