Every Chilean bishop offers to resign over child abuse scandal

CHILE’S bishops have tendered an unprecedented mass resignation over a decades-long abuse scandal after Pope Francis accused the country’s church of destroying evidence of sexual crimes and “the gravest negligence” in the protection of minors.

In a damning 10-page report delivered to 34 Chilean bishops who were summoned to the Vatican this week, the pontiff said the Chilean Church was collectively responsible for “serious defects” in the handling of abuse cases.

Priests removed over sexual abuse had been moved to other dioceses where they remained in contact with children; complaints had been dis- missed despite convincing evidence; and Church lawyers had been pressured to limit or halt investigations, he said. Prelates had destroyed “compromising documents”, Pope Francis added.

Announcing their resignation offer yesterday, the Chilean bishops said they would stay in their roles while they awaited the Pope’s decision.

In a statement delivered by Bishop Fernando Ramos, they asked “forgiveness for the pain caused to the victims, to the pope, to the people of God and our country for the serious errors and omissions committed by us”.

The confidential document was leaked to Chilean TV channel T13.