Roger M. Mahony, archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles
- Age: 76
- Born: Feb. 27, 1936 in Los Angeles
- Education: Catholic University of America
- Ordained a priest: 1962 in Fresno
- Posts held: auxiliary bishop of Fresno (1975-1980); bishop of Stockton, Calif. (1980-1985); archbishop of Los Angeles (1985-2011); archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles (2011-present)
- Elevated to cardinal: 1991 by Pope John Paul II
(RNS photo by Gregory A. Shemitz)
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One of the most embattled members of the College of Cardinals, retired Los Angeles archbishop Roger Mahony, says that the Vatican told him he had to come to the conclave to help elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
To stay home because of protests over his track record in the clergy sex abuse scandals would be to give into outside pressure, which the cardinals cannot do because they must be free of all external influences to be able to choose the man they feel the Holy Spirit wants as the next Roman pontiff.
So Cardinal Mahony says, as Catholic News Service has it in a must-read interview:
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Cardinal Roger M. Mahony expressed “amazement” at calls that he withdraw from the upcoming papal conclave because of his record on clergy sex abuse, and said that the Vatican, acting through its ambassador to the United States, had instructed him to take part in the election of the next pope.
“I’m here because the Holy Father appointed me a cardinal in 1991, and the primary job of a cardinal, the number one job, is actually the election of a new pope should a vacancy occur,” the cardinal told Catholic News Service Feb. 28, two days after arriving in Rome.
“Without my even having to inquire, the nuncio in Washington phoned me a week or so ago and said, ‘I have had word from the highest folks in the Vatican: you are to come to Rome and you are to participate in the conclave’,” the cardinal said.
The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, replied to a request for comment that the cardinal’s statement “can be understood in light of the communique of the Secretariat of State that insisted on the importance of not giving in to external pressures that might limit the freedom of the electors and the conclave.”
Cardinal Mahony also continues his staunch defense of his record and more.
Read the rest here.
11 Comments
Rogelio
People frustrated with Mahony’s behavior will enjoy watching this animated “interview” of him:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRRzXF8p3W7ebzcWhl0W1ag?feature=mhee
It’s hilarious! And also quite factual.
Kieran
Extensive experience of covering up pedophilia within church ranks is probably exactly what they’re after.
gilhcan
Why sure! Just like it was the Vatican that gave Mahony all his instructions to hide and promote the sexual abuse of kids and young people. These guys may be “religious,” but that has absolutely nothing to do with being good! And it has nothing to do with Jesus!
gilhcan
So the Vatican nuncio the the U.S. takes part in the same kind of sleazy business that he complained about in the Vatican Bank when he was yanked from managing that corrupt operation and sent to Washington against his strongest wishes. Isn’t it interesting that he names no names about who directed him to tell Mahony to go to conclave. That’s more of the rotten secrecy that is cover-up to all the corruption practiced by the royal hierarchy of this “People of God.” Wonder what God thinks about it. And these cardinals can dare to claim that the Holy Spirit is directing what is happening in this election? We’ll soon be hearing them blame the Holy Spirit for all the sex abuse and its cover-up. The opposite of “The Devil made me do it!”
Regina Plunkett-Dowling
David, does this count as an indirect rebuke of Archbishop Gomez?
David Gibson
Article authorRegina: Or perhaps a direct rebuke…
Cheers.
There will be life after Cardinal Mahony | (Almost) DailyBrett Blog
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Abdul JK
The last pope covered up pedophilia.
The next pope will have to do the same.
Therefore Mahony and his ilk are perfectly appropriate.
John Publima
The perverts who protected pedophile priests are electing the new pervert in chief. How wonderful. Is anyone surprised? If you think things have changed at all, go ask Bishop Finn how he’s getting along.
Mary Jean Dixon
Ever hear of change.org? I’ve started the petition “The Roman Catholic Church: exclude Cardinal Roger Mahoney from participating in selection of new pope.” and need your help to get it off the ground.
Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here’s the link:
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-roman-catholic-church-exclude-cardinal-roger-mahoney-from-participating-in-selection-of-new-pope
Here’s why it’s important:
Church records show that Cardinal Mahoney covered up for and protected pedophile priests. Sadly, he refuses to resign, and has defiantly traveled to Rome for the election http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/despite-criticism-cardinal-mahony-will-help-select-new-pope.html By allowing his participation, the Church is condoning and rewarding his behavior.
You can sign my petition by clicking here
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-roman-catholic-church-exclude-cardinal-roger-mahoney-from-participating-in-selection-of-new-pope?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=petition_created
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