Folha Online: 19/05/2006 – 08h01
Vaticano pune sacerdote acusado de pedofilia no México
da France Presse, na Cidade do Vaticano
O Vaticano puniu nesta sexta-feira o sacerdote mexicano Marcial Maciel, 85, fundador dos Legionários de Cristo – congregação ultraconservadora ligada ao Vaticano – e acusado de pedofilia, exigindo que o mesmo abandone todas as suas responsabilidades. ‘A Congregação para a Doutrina da Fé decidiu, levando em consideração sua idade avançada e sua frágil saúde, renunciar a qualquer processo canônico e convidar o padre a uma vida discreta de oração e penitência, renunciando ao ministério público’, diz um comunicado do Vaticano. A Congregação para a Doutrina da Fé recebeu, a partir de 1998 – quando seu chefe era o então cardeal Joseph Ratzinger, eleito papa em 2005 – acusações de pedofilia contra o padre Maciel. Fundada em 1941 no México, a Legião de Cristo está estabelecida hoje em 20 países, possui 500 sacerdotes (legionários), 2.500 seminaristas, 65 mil membros e administra 12 universidades. O padre Maciel renunciou, em janeiro de 2005, ao comando da organização e foi substituído por outro padre mexicano, Alvaro Corcuera.
The New York Times – May 19, 2006
Vatican Punishes a Leader After Abuse Charges
By Ian Fisher
The Vatican cautiously acknowledged today long-standing allegations of sexual abuse by the founder of a prominent Catholic community, asking him to give up his public ministry in favor of a quiet life of “prayer and penitence.” The announcement marked the first public action by Pope Benedict XVI on the sensitive issue of sexual abuse in the church. And it came against a priest with a particularly high profile: the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, 86, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, one of the fastest growing Catholic communities, praised often by Pope John Paul II. The statement said that Father Maciel would not undergo a church trial for the allegations against him, which were not disclosed, though at least nine men had accused him of molestation. The reasons, the statement said, were Father Maciel’s “advanced age” and “weak health.” But the statement said the Vatican’s doctrinal office had decided “to invite the father to a life reserved to prayer and penitence, renouncing any public ministry. The Holy Father has approved these decisions.” Reactions to the Vatican decision varied (cont.)
Leia Mais:
Mexican priest ordered to retire (BBC News)
The Vatican Press Office released May 19
Vatican restricts ministry of Legionaries priest founder (National Catholic Reporter)