Belies Pope Francis’ denial
and stick out your tongue’. He would stick his out and kiss us with his tongue,” Cruz wrote. “Juan Barros was a witness to all this innumerable times, not just with me but with others as well.”
Barros has repeatedly denied witnessing any abuse or covering it up. “I never knew anything about, nor ever imagined, the serious abuses which that priest committed against the victims,” he told the AP recently. “I have never approved of nor par-
Cardinal O’Malley called me after the Pope’s visit here in Philadelphia and he told me, among other things, that he had given the letter to the Pope — in his hands. Juan Carlos Cruz
ticipated in such serious, dishonest acts, and I have never been convicted by any tribunal of such things.”
But that’s hardly the question Barros’ opponents are asking — Barros was a young priest and had no authority over Karadima when the abuse was occurring. Instead, many question how a prelate who didn’t recognise a priest’s abuse of young boys can run a diocese where he is responsible for protecting children from paedophiles.
Four members of the Pope’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors fly to Rome to meet with Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Francis’ top adviser, to raise concerns about Barros’ suitability to run a diocese. The commissioners cite the victim testimony that Barros witnessed and ignored abuse. Member Marie Collins hands Cruz’s letter to O’Malley, who would go on to tell Collins and Cruz he delivered it to the Pope and relayed their concerns.
Pope is filmed in St Peter’s Square telling the spokesman for the Chilean bishops’ conference that the Chilean church had become too politicised and the opposition to Barros was coming from “leftists”.
Francis partially apologises, saying he shouldn’t have used the word “proof” but rather “evidence”. During an inflight news conference, he repeats that accusations against Barros are “slander” and denies any victims had come forward accusing Barros of covering up for Karadima. “I’m convinced he’s innocent.”
The AP reports the contents of Cruz’s letter, which contradict the Pope’s claim about no victims coming forward. Cruz wrote: “Holy Father, it’s bad enough that we suffered such tremendous pain and anguish from the sexual and psychological abuse, but the terrible mistreatment we received from our pastors is almost worse.”