Archbishop Carlo Vigano The Vatican is set to respond to claims made by the former papal nuncio to the US which include allegations that Pope Francis covered up abuse.
A statement was released by the Council of Cardinals this week which stated they were “aware that in the current debate” of recent weeks the Holy See is about to issue “necessary clarifications”.
The council also expressed their “full solidarity” with the Pope after Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò released an 11-page dossier calling on Francis to resign and accusing him of being informed about McCarrick’s behaviour. Viganò claimed he was told Francis knew about sanctions placed on McCarrick by Benedict XVI in 2009 or 2010.
Attack
But the document – an unprecedented attack on the papacy from inside the Vatican – was coloured by claims about “homosexual networks” inside the Church and included a slew of accusations against Francis’ allies.
Furthermore, the restrictions placed on McCarrick were unenforced, and Archbishop Viganò has admitted they were “private”.
Six of the nine cardinals who are members of the council participated in the meeting on September 10.
Pope Francis formed the Council of Cardinals, often referred to as the C9, shortly after his election in 2013 to advise him on the reform of the Roman Curia and on Church governance generally.
The Vatican did not issue a response before this paper went to print.