September 10, 2011. (Romereports.com) After the Vatican responded to the Irish government about its allegations on cases of child sex abuse, Archbishop Celso Morga, secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy, says that Dublin did not quite understand the position of the Vatican Congregation.
Arch. Celso Morga
Secretary, Congregation for the Clergy
“I think that the Irish Government had an impression of the performance of the Congregation for the Clergy that was not entirely correct.”
The Holy See says it never obstructed investigations by the Irish government. Rather, it says it reminded bishops that in the framework to fight against abuse, one should take into account canon law.
Arch. Celso Morga
Secretary, Congregation for the Clergy
“The letter of the Congregation for the Clergy, our 1997 letter, didn't want to prevent the practice of those rules that were given to Irish bishops.”
As the so called “number two” of the Vatican ministry that deals with the more than 400,000 Catholic priests, Morga reminded the bishops they must collaborate with civil authorities, in full compliance with the laws of each country, as well as the canon law.
Arch. Celso Morga
Secretary, Congregation for the Clergy
“The bishop is obliged to respect the civil law so that if the particular state has a law that forces you to bring any documentation on this case to the civil courts, the bishop should then assist in this matter. He should put before civil justice everything that he knows. While always remembering that these are two separate legal systems.”
If the formation and education of priests is serious, strong and grounded in faith, Archbishop Morga believes the Church can overcome this painful chapter.
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