Pope video criticizing 'leftist' by protest against abuse creates controversy in Chile

21.mar.2015 - In this file photo, Juan Barros (center) is ordained a bishop in Osorno in southern Chile; he had covered up cases of sexual abuse committed by Father Fernando Karadima


A video of a minute and 20 seconds long put the Pope Francisco in the center of a controversy involving a sexual abuse scandal in Chile.

Recorded in early May, but leaked just last weekend, the video shows the pontiff criticizing what he calls "leftist critical" to the choice of the bishop of the Diocese of Osorno, city of the Chilean south with a population of 145,000 people.

The bishop in question, Juan Barros, was a close collaborator of Fernando Karadima Fariña, prominent priest bound by the Vatican in 2011 to retire due to a number of abuse complaints.

Victims of these abuses accused Barros to have it covered up, but it denies having been aware of crimes committed by Fariña.

The appointment of Barros to Osorno was criticized even within Catholic ranks in Chile with fellow priesthood calling for his resignation. Since his ordination in March, the Chilean city hosts intense weekly protests.

Francisco, however, argues Barros in the video, in response to a question asked by the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Chile, Jaime Coiro, during an audience at the Vatican.
"I'm the first to judge and punish anyone who receives allegations of this kind. But in this case there is no proof," said the Pope in writing with his finger at the ready.

"Osorno suffer unnecessarily. Use your head and do not get carried away by leftists."

Francisco also expressed the view that the protests are politically motivated.

"The only accusation was against this bishop (Barros) was discredited by a court."

Barros was not direct target of any of the many lawsuits that are still brought against Fariña, but had to testify in cases investigating crimes colleague.

Several victims of priest accused Barros to cover up their actions.

The video was recorded by the faithful Argentine Rodolfo Sykora on a tablet. Coiro said to have received the material in the following month. In an interview with Chilean media, Sykora said he sent the video to Coiro with a password, to prevent leakage. Coiro denies having distributed content.

The bishop Barros, however, used the occasion to thank the pope's support.

However, Marie Collins, a victim of pedophile priests and director of a British NGO working with the Vatican on the issue of sexual abuse, criticized the attitude of Francisco. "I'm sad and discouraged (with video)."


Ciro Benedittini, deputy director of the Vatican press office, told BBC World that there would be an official pronouncement on the video.