Sex abuse victims list 'dirty dozen'
2013-03-06 21:43
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Roman Catholics are adjusting to life without a pope following Benedict XVI's historic resignation, as cardinals begin talks ahead of electing a new pope.
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Chicago - Clergy sex abuse victims released a "dirty dozen" list of potential papal candidates on Wednesday and urged the Catholic Church to "get serious" about protecting children, helping victims and exposing corruption.
"We want to urge Catholic prelates to stop pretending that the worst is over regarding the clergy sex abuse and cover up crisis," said David Clohessy, director of the US-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or Snap.
"Tragically, the worst is almost certainly ahead."
The organisation cited a dozen cardinals from the United States, Mexico, Honduras, Italy, Australia, Czech Republic, Canada, Argentina and Ghana accused of protecting paedophile priests and making offensive public statements.
They are all considered to be contenders to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who was criticised for his handling of the sex abuse scandals that have rocked the church in the United States and Europe.
Snap also opposes electing any member of the Roman Curia, the administrative branch of the Holy See.
"We feel no current Vatican 'insider' has the will to truly 'clean house' in the Vatican and elsewhere," Clohessy said in a statement.
"Promoting a Curia member would discourage victims, witnesses, whistleblowers and advocates from reporting wrongdoing."
