Thaindian News

By Ranjan Bhaduri
Chile, Apr 26, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Roman Catholic Church leaders in Chile have met the president of the nation to resolve a growing sex scandal that involves a section of priests. A few days back, the Church in Chile sought the apology of the victims of sexual abuse and admitted nothing can be used to justify the injustice meted out to them. Monsignor Alejandro Goic, the head of the Chile Church confirmed receiving reports of at least 20 such sexual abuse cases involving the priests. As a matter of fact, the Catholic churches are reeling under accusations of sexual abuse this year and on Friday a bishop in Belgium resigned.

Chile is known as one of Latin America’s most hardcore Catholic countries. Cardinal Francisco Errazuriz, the Archbishop of Santiago and Monsignor Alejandro Goic met the country’s president Sebastian Pinera. They held a discussion that lasted for over an hour. The cardinal later said that a letter will be sent to each Parish in the country to reply to the scandal shortly. Some of the sex abuse cases involving priests in Chile have been absolved while the trial of some other cases is still going on.

The case that has been drawing maximum attention in Chile in recent time is the one involving Fr Fernando Karadima. He has appointed a lawyer for fighting the case. He is one of the most respected and influential priests in Chile. The 80 year old priest now faces the accusation from 4 of his followers. The men have alleged that he used to abuse them sexually over years. The incident has been getting plenty of media attention.