Whispers in the Loggia Click Here for Whispers in the Loggia Article has reported that Monsignor Scicluna, the Holy See’s highly regarded lead prosecutor for sexual abuse cases, including that of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi has been sent back to his native Malta as an auxiliary bishop. An Italian commentator was referred to by Whispers in the Loggia as saying that Scicluna, the hunter of pedophiles has been hunted out of the Vatican
.
Msgr. Scicluna was chosen in early 2005 by then Cardinal Ratzinger on behalf of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to investigate complaints about Father Marcial Maciel. Msgr Scicluna carried out his delicate investigation in a highly effective manner and he showed genuine dedication in the pursuit of justice. Following the investigation carried out by Msgr Scicluna, Father Maciel was banished from publicly practicing his priesthood or speaking publicly and he was sentenced to live the rest of his life in prayer and repentance.
Msgr. Scicluna provided a voice in the Vatican, to empathize with the emotions felt among the church’s rank-and-file and victims as the sexual scandals continued for decades. He has been a valuable member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for a number of reasons. One of these is his fluency in his native English language. This is a valuable asset for dealing the the current reform of the leadership group representing the U.S. womens’ religious orders.
Msgr. Scicluna dared to refer to the deadly culture of silence while speaking at a Vatican sponsored conference on abuse by using the word omerta
(likening the secrecy of the Vatican to that of the Mafia).
Many felt that because of his competence, character, accomplishments, courage, and excellent reputation he deserved an appointment to the curia. Instead he has been taken out of his position where he was achieving positive reform from within the Church and moved to a “safer” place where he is less likely to step on the wrong toes.
ReGAIN editors are grateful to Msgr. Scicluna for his achievements, integrity and efforts and we wish him well in his new posting as bishop-elect, deputy to Archbishop Paul Cremona in Malta.
Since bishop-elect, the Reverend Monsignor Charles J. Scicluna’s recent appointment , Paul Lennon wrote to him expressing gratitude for the way he had treated Paul and Juan Vaca when they had met in 2005. Paul immediately received a message back, expressing that the Lord will never fail to hear the cry of those who suffer. Mons. Scicluna added that he was happy to be back with his people and that he has promised to lay down his life for them.
He said he recognizes that he has moved back from HQ to the front lines in the war against sin and crime and he requested prayers that he may be faithful to his new calling.