Change comes slowly at the Vatican.
On the issue of clerical sexual abuse of children, Rome’s methodical
approach has caused Pope Francis to endure barbs for dallying on a
pledge to get tough on abusers within the Church.
So it was good news on June 3 when
Francis was able, at last, to issue an edict that puts bishops on the
front line of accountability. By formalizing new rules that provide for
the removal of bishops who fail to act, or who act insufficiently, when
becoming aware of an abuser priest, the Pope has not only advanced the
cause of justice for child victims and vulnerable adults, but has taken a
small but important step on the long road towards repairing the
Church’s wounded reputation.