Empty Words?

Survivors of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy are angry at the pope. They were expecting a specific plan of action to come from a conference of bishops at the Vatican.  They didn’t get it.  Rather, the pope delivered a speech that did not convince those who have been hurt so deeply.  They are railing at the pontiff.  “He’s the boss.  Why won’t he do something?”  Church commentators with an understanding of how the Vatican bureaucracy works say specific rules and regulations will come.  It takes time. Survivors want to see cardinals and bishops sacked right now.  Today.  Immediately.  One American cardinal has been cashiered and several bishops have resigned worldwide, but that is not nearly enough to quiet the protest.  The hierarchy will remain under fire, and it may take decades for the Church to win back its reputation.  Words alone are never enough: It takes doing.