Speaking on the 11-page letter written by the former Vatican Nuncio to the United States that alleges Pope Francis was involved in a cover-up of the McCarrick abuse scandal, the Holy Father has said that he will “not say a single word.”
Aboard the papal plane yesterday, Pope Francis was asked if the allegations made in the document released by former Vatican Nuncio to the United States Archbishop Carlo Viganò were true.
“I read the statement this morning, and I must tell you sincerely that, I must say this, to you and all those who are interested: Read the statement carefully and make your own judgment. I will not say a single word on this.”
When asked specifically of the allegation that in 2013 he knew about McCarrick’s alleged sexual misconduct with priests and seminarians but reinstated him to ministry anyway, Pope Francis said he was distracted by a previous question and preferred to discuss his trip to Ireland, saying:
“This is part of the statement. Study it and then I will say.”
Pope Francis expanded on what he meant by “make your own judgment,” saying he believes in the “journalistic capacity to draw your own conclusions.” The pontiff said he is not against possibly speaking in the future, however.
“When some time passes and you have drawn your conclusions, I may speak. But I would like your professional maturity to do the work for you. It will be good for you.”
