Take action against tainted Kerala bishop: Pope's aide

IDUKKI: Even as the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Vatican Nuncio were being updated on the Jalandhar rape case, a cardinal and one of the key advisers to Pope Francis wants strong action in cases of sexual abuse involving top clergy.
Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston wants the Church to take immediate steps in the issue. The cardinal is one of the nine key advisers of Pope Francis.
The Church in the US has been reeling under allegations that another cardinal was involved in sexual improprieties with minors and adult seminarians years ago.
Last June, an 80-year-old cardinal was removed from his post based on a 50-year-old case of molestation.
Cardinal O'Malley has urged a swift and decisive step on sexual violence involving bishops.
"A rapid and tough adjudication alone can bring justice to the victims of abuse. Failure to take action will threaten and endanger the already-weakened moral authority of the Church," said the cardinal.
"Any delay in questioning bishop Franco Mulakkal would send a wrong message to the laity. If you have money and power, you can get away easily even from a rape case. However, if the accused had been an ordinary priest, the police would have taken him into custody and interrogated," said a church source.
"This case has ruined the reputation of the Church in India. It is fair that the accused bishop steps down and face the trial," said a senior church source.
However, sources pointed out that the Congregation for Bishops in Vatican will study the issue against the bishopl. Mark Quellet is president of the 33-member congregation.
"The Vatican Nuncio and CCBI have submitted reports to the congregation and they will study the issue and submit a report to Pope. Then the Pope will take a final decision on the issue. Vatican does not use terms like 'fire' or 'dismiss'. But invites the offender to resign, and in case of resistance, he can be dismissed from the post, "said a source.