The meetings with Pope Francis from Tuesday to Thursday at the Vatican ended with a surprising announcement by the Chilean bishops.
MSGR. JUAN IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ ERRÁZURIZ
Bishop of San Bernardo
“We want to announce that all the bishops who came to Rome have placed our positions in the hands of the Holy Father through a written letter, so he can freely decide the fate of each one of us.”
Now, it is the pope who must decide if he will accept all the letters of resignation collectively, only a few of them or handle the situation in another way. The bishops read a brief statement, asking for forgiveness.
MSGR. JUAN IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ ERRÁZURIZ
Bishop of San Bernardo
“We want to ask forgiveness for the pain experienced by the victims, the pope, the people of God and the country, by our grave errors and omissions.”
Additionally, they had words for the most wounded, the victims of the abuse. The bishops acknowledge the victims didn't receive the treatment they deserved.
MSGR. JUAN IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ ERRÁZURIZ
Bishop of San Bernardo
“Thanks to the victims for their perseverance and courage, despite the enormous personal, spiritual, social and family difficulties that they had to endure, often in the midst of incomprehension and attacks by the ecclesial community itself. Once again, we implore their forgiveness and their help to continue advancing on the path of healing and caring for the wounds.”
Pope Francis assured the bishops this would be handled with measures in the short, medium and long term. He asked them to identify the causes that have led to this situation, such as the vice of clericalism, feeling superior to others and narcissistic and authoritarian spiritualities.
