Catholic leader travels to Chile to resolve sex abuse controversy

oge okonkwo

March 10, 2015 4:03 PM

Bishop Madrid has allegedly been accused of covering up years of paedophilia allegations against Rev Fernando Karadima, who was sanctioned by the Church in 2011 for child sexual abuse

Pope Francis took a trip to Chile last week to meet with Church leaders to resolve controversy over a recent appointment.

Reports say Monsignor Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib's successor, Juan Barros Madrid, was appointed in January, but has faced a firestorm of criticism.

Bishop Madrid has allegedly been accused of covering up years of paedophilia allegations against Rev Fernando Karadima, who was sanctioned by the Church in 2011 for child sexual abuse.

It was gathered that a judge determined that the charges against Karadima were truthful, although the statute of limitations had expired.

The Osorno diocese has been run by Bishop Barros since 2013, when the prior bishop was transferred. Francis chose Barros to take over the position permanently two months ago.

In response to the appointment, 1,300 Catholic followers, 51 of the country's 120 lawmakers, and as many as 35 priests protested, and urged the pontiff to reconsider.

Barros has not responded to the controversy, and details of Francis' meeting with Garib have not been released. Bishop Madrid was scheduled to be formally installed on March 21.

Christian Post reports that no bishop has been publicly sanctioned for covering up sexual abuses within the Catholic Church, although Francis' sex abuse advisory commission has stated that bishop accountability is one of their priorities.

oge okonkwo