World News
Vatican spokesman says church must be credible, transparent
Published: October 5, 2010
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The clerical sex abuse crisis was a serious proving ground for the Catholic Church and its commitment to be open and honest with the world about the failures of its members, the Vatican spokesman said. "There was a great loss of trust in the church -- partially justified, partially caused by a negative and incomplete presentation of the problem -- but this damage, as the pope said, can be overcome with good if we move in the direction of a profound purification and renewal" so that no one is ever again abused by a priest or church worker, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman. Father Lombardi, who directs the Vatican press office, Vatican Radio and the Vatican television center, spoke Oct. 5 to Catholic communicators from 83 countries gathered at the Vatican for a congress on the Catholic press. The only way to promote church unity in the midst of controversies and protect the freedom of expression and truth in the church is to be credible and transparent, the Jesuit said. "The serious sex abuse crisis certainly was a test, a fundamental testing ground, for the credibility of the church" and its ability to enact serious changes, he said. Father Lombardi said the church also must learn to be as open and transparent in answering questions about its finances.
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