FRESH from attending the summit called by the Vatican, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Romulo Valles Friday, March 1, vowed that there will be no cover-ups for members of the clergy, who will be involved in sexual abuses, especially those of minors.
In a report by CBCPNews, Valles said the CBCP is fully committed to protecting the faithful from possible abuses by clergymen.
“We will do whatever we can to protect minors in the Church. You heard me! No hesitations and cover-ups!” Valles was quoted by the official news agency of the CBCP as saying at a Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City.
The Davao archbishop said the firm action by the CBCP is their response to the wrongdoings of the religious leaders as highlighted during the summit called by Pope Francis.
“And with forgiveness, the grace to stand up, repair, and see to it that such things will not happen again in the Church,” Valles said.
To recall, Valles was among the nearly 200 religious leaders, who attended the historic Vatican summit that aims to address the crisis that is again rocking the Church.
During the summit, Pope Francis had repeatedly apologized to the faithful over the clergy abuses, while vowing to confront the perpetrators and ensuring justice. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)