It's hard to feel much compassion for a man who apparently cared nothing about the sexual abuse of children and allowed predatory priests to remain in ministry. Hence, on hearing the news that Cardinal Justin Rigali pictured at left) is resigning as archbishop of the Philadelphia archdiocese, my first thought can basically summed up as "good riddance." The irony, of course is that Rigali is being removed from office by the ring master of sexual abuse cover ups - Pope Benedict XVI. Indeed, the bigger question ought to be that of when will Benedict XVI abdicate as a result of his own filthy hands that have aided and abetted predators for decades? Yes, I realize that some apologists will argue that under the less than saintly Pope John Paul II Ratzinger was merely following orders. However, Ratzinger could have resigned rather than be an accomplice to all the evil. Indeed, if he had any honor and decency he would have resigned. That he chose to "follow orders" like a good Hitler Youth speaks volumes as to why he's unfit for the papacy and ought to instead be behind bars himself. The Philadelphia Inquirer has details on Rigali's resignation.*
FIVE MONTHS AFTER a grand-jury report blasted the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for failing to investigate claims of sexual abuse by priests against children, Pope Benedict XVI will accept Cardinal Justin Rigali's resignation this week, the Daily News has learned.
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The Archdiocese did not return calls yesterday seeking comment on Rigali's expected resignation. But sources close to the Archdiocese confirmed a report Thursday on the National Catholic Reporter's website that Rigali would resign.
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Rigali, 76, took over for Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua in 2003. He has been under fire following a grand-jury report, released in February, accusing the Archdiocese of a widespread cover-up of predatory priests over decades, and alleging that as many as 37 priests remained active in the ministry despite credible accusations against them. The report recommended that the Archdiocese revamp procedures for assisting victims and for removing priests accused of molesting children.
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A high-ranking Archdiocesan official was charged with child-endangerment for allegedly transferring "predator priests" to other positions. Two priests, a former priest and a former Catholic schoolteacher were charged with sexually assaulting minors.
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With public pressure mounting, Catholic commentators say that a spotlight is shining on Philadelphia. "This is the most high-stakes personnel move Pope Benedict is making as pope," said Rocco Palmo, of Philadelphia, author of the Catholic-oriented blog Whispers in the Loggia. "Every bishop in the country is watching. They know it will reflect on them and their archdiocese. The eyes of the Catholic world are on Philly right now."
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Rigali turned in his letter of resignation when he turned 75 in April 2010. The pope can accept the resignation at any time, but Winters said Rigali hadn't planned to leave so soon. "I don't think he was planning on leaving this year," Winters said. "He understood after the grand-jury report he could not dig them out of this mess."
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The Rev. Charles Engelhardt, former priest Edward Avery and former teacher Bernard Shero were charged with sodomizing the 10-year-old, and the Rev. James Brennan was accused of raping the 14-year-old in his apartment. Monsignor William Lynn was charged with child endangerment for allegedly shielding and transferring known predatory priests.
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Remind me again - why does anyone, be they a lay Catholic or a political office holder listen to anything the Catholic Church leadership has to say on anything? These men make the Mafia look virtuous.
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