Hans Zollner, an influential adviser to the Pope, left the Vatican commission for the protection of minors, which combats sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, on Wednesday for “structural and practical reasons.”
The cleric, quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), affirms that he has become “increasingly concerned” about the way in which this papal consultative body works, “particularly in the areas of responsibility, compliance, accountability and transparency”.
US Cardinal Sean O’Malley, head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, said the reason for Zollner’s resignation was the heavy workload. However, the German priest replied by saying that he had “perceived problems that urgently need to be addressed” and that “they have made it impossible for him to continue” and criticized the “lack of clarity” in relation to the selection process for the members of the commission. . as well as “inadequate” financial responsibility.
“In addition, there must be transparency about how decisions are made in the committee. Too often, there was insufficient information and vague communication,” Hans Zollner said in a statement.
And he continued: “It is because of these structural and practical issues that led me to disassociate myself from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.”
Hans Zollner was the last founding member of the commission created by Pope Francis in 2014. Problems in the group began to arise in 2017, when Marie Collins, an abuse survivor who was part of the commission, resigned due to resistance in high level positions. of the Catholic Church.
Francis accepted Zollner’s resignation “with the deepest gratitude for his many years of service.”
Source: TSF
