Published on Mar 4, 2013
Peter Mansbridge sits down with Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet. In part one of Peter’s exclusive two-part interview, Cardinal Ouellet talks about his faith, the Catholic Church’s struggles with sexual abuse scandals and potentially becoming the next Pope.
Canadian cardinal discusses criticism over sex scandals in CBC exclusive interview
Posted: Mar 4, 2013 10:00 PM ET
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2013 9:52 AM ET
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, one of the candidates in the race to become the next pope, says the Catholic Church has learned from its mistakes regarding sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the centuries-old institution in recent years.
In the first part of a world-exclusive English language interview with CBC’s chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge, the two discussed criticism over sex abuse scandals, the chance of Ouellet becoming the next pontiff, and what Benedict XVI’s unexpected retirement means for the church in the 21st century.
In a particularly candid moment, Mansbridge asked Ouellet — who has worked directly with abuse victims — if he was satisfied with the current monitoring of priests, bishops and cardinals.
“I think the protocols that have been set up are effective if they are followed, but in general, you know you may have some cases, but in general it is very much respected and carefully treated,” said Ouellet.
Not ‘just a Catholic problem’
Ouellet, centre, has served as the prefect of the congregation for bishops, and is well known at the Vatican. (Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty)
The cardinal went on to say that sexual abuse is not just a Catholic problem, but also a human problem. And that it is his “hope” that the safeguards that are now in place “could be an example for others in society.”
Ouellet’s comments come on the heels of the resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Britain’s highest-ranking Catholic leader.
He gave up his post on Feb. 25 amid misconduct allegations made in a British newspaper that three serving priests and one former priest had filed complaints to the Vatican alleging that the cardinal acted inappropriately with them.
O’Brien has since removed himself from this month’s conclave of cardinals that will select the next pope.
The Vatican insisted that Pope Benedict XVI accepted because O’Brien was nearing the retirement age of 75 — not because of the accusations.
The 1st Canadian pope
A major thread of the conversation between Mansbridge and Ouellet, which took place in the cardinal’s personal quarters within the Vatican, focused on the future of the papacy.
Ouellet is one of three Canadians who will take part in the upcoming conclave, along with Cardinal Thomas Collins from Toronto and Quebec Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte. He has repeatedly played down his chances of becoming the next pontiff.
“I have to be ready even if I think that probably others could do it better,” said Ouellet. “I will cross the river when I get to the bridge, and we are not there.”
A considerable media frenzy has developed over which cardinal will be elected as the new pope, a decision that is expected to be made sometime in mid-March. Ouellet’s name has been floated as one of the top contenders.
Some believe the Canadian has a breadth of experience that makes him ideal for the job.
He has experience working in the developing world, speaks six languages, and is an active member of several Roman Catholic commissions and committees. His current role at the Vatican has him overseeing the appointment of bishops.
Catholic scholar Tracey Rowland said if one was to make a checklist of credentials, Ouellet would be able to tick off every box. “Some people get a bit miffed that Americans seem to run everything,” Rowland added. “They are less likely to vote for an American cardinal, but a Canadian could be quite acceptable.”
Chance for ‘a new future’
A papal election has never yielded a Canadian as a pontiff. Indeed, a non-European cardinal has never been chosen to lead the church.
Ouellet, here kissing Pope John Paul II’s hand at the Vatican, was made a cardinal in 2003. (Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty)
During Mansbridge’s interview with Ouellet, the cardinal acknowledged there has been a focus on Europe for centuries but that worshippers should not be surprised this time around if a cardinal from Asia, Africa or America is elected as the church’s new leader.
The cardinal predicted that the decision “will be quite unexpected,” but remained positive that whatever the result, this historic election will present a path to new and positive future for the church.
“We are all expecting something new because it is so new what we are living in these days, you know just this extraordinary decision of Pope Benedict,” said Ouellet. “It opens up a new future.”
________________________________
Catholic Church a positive example on abuse scandals: Cardinal Ouellet
The Hamilton Spectator
05 March 2013
Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet once said that being pope “would be a nightmare.” He would know, having enjoyed the confidence of two popes as a top-ranked Vatican insider. His high-profile position as head of the Vatican’s office for bishops, his conservative leanings, his years in Latin America and his work in Rome as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America make him a favourite to become the first pontiff from the Americas.
Andrew Medichini/The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY The Canadian cardinal considered one of the top choices for the papacy says he thinks the Catholic church’s handling of its sex abuse scandals can be held up as a positive example.
In an interview with CBC television Marc Cardinal Ouellet defended the church, saying it had to bear a great deal of public scrutiny when stories of abuse came to light.
“But it is not a Catholic problem; it is a human problem,” he said.
“Most of the abuse occurred in families in very general in society, and my hope is what was done by the Catholic Church, which is not yet perfect, but could be also of example for others in society. And I hope it will create an atmosphere in the whole society for respect of youth, for creating, you know, a safe environment everywhere you know in sports environments and others.”
Ouellet added that the issue of abuse within the church was still one that had to be dealt with very carefully, but he said he was satisfied with the practices of monitoring members of the clergy which were are currently in place.
Quebec-born Ouellet has come under fire in the past from critics who said he remained silent on the issue of sexual abuse by priests in his home province.
In the interview which aired Monday night, Ouellet said the church has learned from its mistakes and has “apologized many times” for cases of abuse that have hurt its reputation.
“Everything that was bad, you know is so regretful,” he said.
When asked if the church had apologized enough, Ouellet mused aloud, “so I think…enough? Who knows?”
Ouellet is being touted as a possible candidate to succeed Pope Benedict, who announced his resignation last month citing a lack of strength to do the job.
The 68-year-old Canadian serves as head of the powerful Congregation for Bishops, which vets bishop nominations worldwide.
He has created controversy in the past with his conservative views.
The former Archbishop of Quebec City drew considerable criticism when he ignored the wishes of many of his priests and banned the practice of general absolution — a type of mass-forgiveness ceremony that allowed Catholics to avoid the discomfort of the confessional.
The practice, dismissed by purists as a shortcut, was favoured by many priests because it often boosted attendance.
Ouellet is also remembered in Quebec for anti-abortion remarks he made in 2010, which provoked angry reactions from women’s rights activists and a number of politicians.
The cardinal had told media that abortion was unjustifiable, even in cases of rape.
Ouellet has also spoken out against gay marriage, calling it “a big crisis, not only a moral crisis, but an anthropological one. We don’t know what it means to be a human being anymore.”
Pre-conclave meetings began Monday at the Vatican, at which cardinals organize the election of the next pope, discuss the problems of the church and get to know one another before voting.
No date has been set yet for the conclave and one may not be decided on officially for a few more days.
_____________________________________
Ouellet says church could be positive example on handling abuse scandals
macleans.ca
on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 5:35a
VATICAN CITY – The Canadian cardinal considered one of the top choices for the papacy says he thinks the Catholic church’s handling of its sex abuse scandals can be held up as a positive example.
In an interview with CBC television Marc Cardinal Ouellet defended the church, saying it had to bear a great deal of public scrutiny when stories of abuse came to light.
“But it is not a Catholic problem; it is a human problem,” he said.
“Most of the abuse occurred in families in very general in society, and my hope is what was done by the Catholic Church, which is not yet perfect, but could be also of example for others in society. And I hope it will create an atmosphere in the whole society for respect of youth, for creating, you know, a safe environment everywhere you know in sports environments and others.”
Ouellet added that the issue of abuse within the church was still one that had to be dealt with very carefully, but he said he was satisfied with the practices of monitoring members of the clergy which were are currently in place.
Quebec-born Ouellet has come under fire in the past from critics who said he remained silent on the issue of sexual abuse by priests in his home province.
In the interview which aired Monday night, Ouellet said the church has learned from its mistakes and has “apologized many times” for cases of abuse that have hurt its reputation.
“Everything that was bad, you know is so regretful,” he said.
When asked if the church had apologized enough, Ouellet mused aloud, “so I think…enough? Who knows?”
Ouellet is being touted as a possible candidate to succeed Pope Benedict, who announced his resignation last month citing a lack of strength to do the job.
The 68-year-old Canadian serves as head of the powerful Congregation for Bishops, which vets bishop nominations worldwide.
He has created controversy in the past with his conservative views.
The former Archbishop of Quebec City drew considerable criticism when he ignored the wishes of many of his priests and banned the practice of general absolution — a type of mass-forgiveness ceremony that allowed Catholics to avoid the discomfort of the confessional.
The practice, dismissed by purists as a shortcut, was favoured by many priests because it often boosted attendance.
Ouellet is also remembered in Quebec for anti-abortion remarks he made in 2010, which provoked angry reactions from women’s rights activists and a number of politicians.
The cardinal had told media that abortion was unjustifiable, even in cases of rape.
Ouellet has also spoken out against gay marriage, calling it “a big crisis, not only a moral crisis, but an anthropological one. We don’t know what it means to be a human being anymore.”
Pre-conclave meetings began Monday at the Vatican, at which cardinals organize the election of the next pope, discuss the problems of the church and get to know one another before voting.
No date has been set yet for the conclave and one may not be decided on officially for a few more days.
I have no problems with what the media describe as Cardinal Ouellett’s “conservative” views and “conservative” leanings. Every priest, bishop and Cardinal should uphold the moral teachings of the Church in which they serve. If that is what the Cardinal has been doing, very good. I do however have deep problems with the Cardinal’s notion that the Catholic Church in Canada is ahead of the times when it comes to dealing with clerical sexual predators, and that in early 90s developed a zero tolerance policy.
I must admit that until moments ago it had slipped my mind completely that Marc Ouellett, then Rector at the major seminary in Montreal, was part of the team who put together the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop’s 1992 sex abuse guidelines “From Pain to Hope.” You might recall that convicted molester Father Peter O’Hanley was part of the team. You might also recall that the guidelines recommended, amongst other things, that legal fees incurred by clergy facing sex abuse charges be picked up by dioceses and also proposed ways to reintegrate (read recycle) convicted molester into parishes.
I haven’t seen anything remotely resembling a zero tolerance policy in the Church in Canada. Where did that come from? It’s certainly not been the Canadian way.
I was contacted by and did an interview with CBC Newfoundland (radio) on the Cardinal Ouellett interview this morning. I think I said much of what I would like to say there. How much airs is another matter. We shall see 🙂
They have done zero about their zero tolerance policy. If that were were truly genuine in it’s sexual abuse policy, it would immediately defrock ALL convicted collars, stop funding their defense lawyers, and settle all litigation and criminal trials with the victims in mind. Until they do this, any “policies” and “apologies” they speak of are empty and worthless.
Please try and post that interview on the site, Sylvia…when it airs.
I didn’t have a chance to catch it MS. I will see if I can track it down today