Scandals update

Brief updates on scandals in Ireland & Brazil...

IRELAND:

> Pope Benedict's letter concerning the Irish abuse scandal is expected to be released on Saturday

> Cardinal Sean Brady apologized to "anyone who has been hurt by any failure on my part" and said that "I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in." He has been criticized for failing to notify authorities regarding a meeting he attended where two alleged victims signed a confidentiality clause. The alleged victims were compensated by the archdiocese without an admission of liability

BRAZIL:

> A television station in Brazil aired a video, filmed via hidden camera, that reportedly portrayed an elderly priest having a 'homosexual encounter' with a 19 year old. This priest - and two others - were suspended for "alleged homosexual activities with boys and young men". Early media reports indicated that the priests were bishops, but this has been denied. Brazil is "home to the world's largest Catholic population"

Related: Scandal in the Church (apologetics)

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A Time to Lament

The following is a brief overview of some recent scandals in the Church. Definitely not fun reading.

* Reports are circulating about a homosexual "prostitution ring" involving an usher at the Vatican ("a member of an elite group called 'Gentlemen of His Holiness'") as well as a Vatican chorister. At least one seminarian is reportedly also involved.

* A Mexican woman who has come forward regarding her alleged affair with the disgraced founder of the Legionaries of Christ and allegations that she bore two of his children said in a recent interview that she was not aware that he was a priest. The Legionaries' founder allegedly used a different name and "lived a parallel life". Her children were also interviewed and they made abuse accusations against him.

* The abuse scandal in Germany continues to widen. It now includes the choir where Pope Benedict's brother worked for 30 years. The Pope's brother said he did not know about any abuse at the choir.

* Many Irish Catholics are in an uproar over being asked to contribute for abuse victims' compensation. The scandals have also provided those who hate the Church many opportunities to spew insults, and at least one notorious anti-Catholic has predicted the Church's "downfall"

Related: Scandal in the Church (apologetics)

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