Pope Francis and the Catholic Church are facing a crisis.
A bombshell report has revealed a massive sexual abuse scandal.
Pope Francis responded with seven words that left everyone stunned.
A Shocking Report Details Massive Sexual Abuse
People around the world were horrified to learn that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick had been sexually abusing young boys for deacdes.
Although McCarrick has since resigned from the College of Cardinals, his behavior has caused serious damage to the Church.
Millions of Christians and Catholics around the world cannot understand how McCarrick was able to abuse boys for years and no one stopped him.
They question whether Church officials knew about the abuse and chose to look the other way.
Pope Francis Faces A Bombshell Allegation
In another bombshell, Archbishop Carlo Vigano published an 11-page letter claiming Pope Francis knew McCarrick had abused young boys.
Vigano wrote that Francis, and other Church leaders, were aware of the allegations against McCarrick.
He claimed he told Francis in 2013 that the previous Pope had imposed penalties on McCarrick in 2009 or 2010.
Pope Benedict had banned McCarrick from travel and public ministry—penalties that Vigano claims Francis lifted.
Vigano stated that McCarrick had told him Francis allowed him to travel to China.
He also named three other top Church officials who covered up McCarrick’s abuses.
Pope Francis Responds To The Accusations
The news of this scandal has already damaged Pope Francis.
Critics blasted Francis for giving a slow response.
When the story first came out, Francis’ only response was “no comment.”
Many Catholics were upset he did not take a stronger position in defending the victims.
When reporters questioned Francis about Vigano’s letter during a plane ride back from Ireland, the Pope said people should decide for themselves whether Vigano was telling the truth.
“I read that release this morning. I read it and I sincerely have to tell you this, to you and to all those of you who are interested: read the notice carefully and make your own judgment,” Francis stated.
But Francis stunned everyone when he concluded, “I won’t say a word about it.”
The Pope then seemed to ask the reporters to back off the story.
“But I would like your professional maturity to do this work. It will be good for you. That’s good,” he stated.
Reporters also asked the Pope when he had first heard about the accusations against McCarrick, to which he would not answer.
“This comes out in the statement regarding McCarrick. Study it and then I will speak,” the Pope stated.
Critics contend Vigano’s letter demands a response.
They also argue that if Vigano’s accusations are true, Francis needs to resign.
What Is At Stake For The Catholic Church
This scandal could destroy the Catholic Church in America, if not all over the world.
If the Pope did know a Cardinal was abusing young boys and looked the other way – or worse – it will destroy people’s trust in the Church.
Therefore, Francis owes the victims and every Catholic around the world answers as to how the Church allowed this happen.
And if Francis did know about the abuse, he needs to set an example and resign in order to move the Church past the scandal.
We will keep you up to date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
