Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represents more than 130 alleged victims of sexual abuse by priests, said the Vatican was sending a bad message by giving Law a high profile new job.
"He apparently is being transferred to a position that is comfortable and appears to be some sort of reward," Garabedian said. "The Vatican either doesn't understand the problem of clergy sex abuse, or it doesn't care. That shows by this new prestigious post given to Cardinal Law."
Unfortunately, I have to agree with this statement. I am a staunch supporter of John Paul II, but this just doesn't look good. Not that the position is any more than a local parish Rector, but most Catholic and Non-Catholics don't know that. "Any" appointment via the Pope carries with it an appearance of prestiege. I think this is a mistake.
I'm sure the Lavender Mafia is celebrating this honor for one of their heroes. Did the Pope throw in two gold fish for the good Cardinal?
I'm just shaking my head in disappointment. Even if the post given to Law is ceremonial, he should be shamed rather than rewarded.
"..I am a staunch supporter of John Paul II,.."
I wouldn't lay this charge at Pope Paul II, REGARDLESS of what the "Vatican" states. Pope Paul has lived a long and valiant life. But I am convinced he is no longer running the show, making decisions, or functioning as the head of the Church. He should be retired to a place of comfort and a new successor chosen.
Somewhere in the depths of the Vatican bureaocracy, contending forces are making decisions and statements and trying to make a place for themselves in the next administration.
Cardinal Law is a criminal. He is guilty of being an accessory after the fact, and possibly even an accessory during and before the fact. He belongs in a prison, not a basilica. Those Vatican functionaries responsible for this outrage belong there with him.