Archbishop of Chicago, Card. Blase Cupich was the second intervention of day two of the Summit with the topic synodality.
He said many lay faithful and parents are asking questions at this time.
CARD. BLASE CUPICH
Archbishop of Chicago (USA)
“They are asking themselves, if Church leaders could act with so little care in giving pastoral attention in such obvious cases of a child being sexually molested, does that not reveal how detached they are from us as parents who treasure our children?”
Card. Cupich mentioned three ways to keep bishops accountable. First to set standards for investigating bishops along with canon law and local churches. Second reporting allegations with the help of lay experts to ensure transparency. Finally, that concrete procedural steps should be implemented by bishops' conferences.
CARD. BLASE CUPICH
Archbishop of Chicago (USA)
“My aim is to offer a framework that is in keeping with our ecclesiological and canonical traditions in order to spark conversation among ourselves, knowing that there are differences in culture, civil and canonical laws and other factors that need to be considered, and yet aware of the urgency that we take decisive action without delay.”
Card. Cupich said all reporting, investigation and evaluation of alleged abused must be looked at with the victims' point of view in mind.
CARD. BLASE CUPICH
Archbishop of Chicago (USA)
“All mechanisms for reporting allegations of abuse or mishandling of abuse cases against a bishop should be transparent and well-known to the faithful.”
He also stressed the importance of treating each victim with tenderness and empathy.
For synodality, he emphasized these four principles that should be adopted by all: radical listening, lay witness, collegiality and accountability.
