The Vatican’s refusal to accept the resignation of two Irish bishops dramatically highlights the failure of Pope Benedict to hold himself and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church accountable for their role in the sex abuse scandal.
Cardinal Bernard Law left Boston in disgrace, and was awarded a rich sinecure in Rome. Two Irish bishops judged themselves to be unworthy of continued service as bishops, and the Vatican now rejects their decision. Meanwhile, Bishop John McCormack of New Hampshire announced yesterday that he had submitted his letter of resignation to Rome not because he decided he was indeed guilty of abetting abuse while serving under Law in Boston, but because he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. As with many others who covered up sins and crimes, Bishop McCormack should have been fired rather than awarded a position until his retirement.
The Vatican will never heal the wounds caused by this scandal until it shows that it is capable of holding the hierarchy accountable. Rejecting the Irish resignations without explanation displays a rank contempt, rather than a decent respect, for the opinion of the People of God, not to mention a watching world.
