Giovanna Fontanilla (2nd left), director of the University of Santo Tomas Community Development Office, announces Pope Francis’ activities when he visits the pontifical university during his trip to the Philippines in January. The Pope will meet with leaders of various religions and youth representatives. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Archbishop Oscar Cruz on Tuesday said that the Catholic Church will not prevent the authorities from arresting a priest who has committed a crime.
Cruz made the statement as incoming President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to divulge sins of the clergy.
“Kapag may masamang ginawa ang isang pari, may krimen, kailangan po siyang managot sa estado. Kung kailangan siyang makulong ay ikulong,” the bishop said.
Duterte said he will give himself until June 29, a day before he assumes office, to reveal the alleged sins of the clergy.
He said among the sins he will reveal are those committed by bishops who have children.
Duterte warned he will reveal the names of the children and details of where they live. “You want me to do it? I will do it. Sumobra kayo. You went beyond the bounds,” he said.
Cruz said that the Church is not disappointed over Duterte’s revelations against the bishops.
“Sabihin na lang po ninyo kung sino at ano ang ginawa at aasikasihin naman po iyon,” Cruz said during the radio interview.
He added: “Tama po iyon para malinis po natin ang ranggo ng kaparian. Minsan nga po talaga ang mga obispo ay hindi nila nalalaman ang ginagawa ng kanilang kaparian. Tama po iyon para ang Simbahan ay makagalaw at makaaksyon.”
The bishop also assured that the Catholic Church has its penal processes and said that several priests have been punished over their abuses.
The most severe punishment, he said, is the dismissal of a priest or a bishop from the Church.
Duterte may still change
Meanwhile, Cruz said that the Catholic Church is hoping that the incoming president’s attitude towards priests will change once he assumes office.
“Baka naman po magbago pa. Ngayon nasa fighting mood siya pero baka naman kapag may international dimension na ang kanyang posisyon ay baka lumawak pa ang kanyang kaisipan at kalooban,” Cruz said.
Cruz added that the Church will continue to attempt to have a dialogue with Duterte.
He said that during the campaign period, there was already an attempt by the Catholic Church to have a dialogue with Duterte and the other presidential candidates.
Asked if the Church will continue to reach out to Duterte for a dialogue, he said in jest “try and try until you die.”
He said he understands Duterte’s attitude towards the Catholic church.
Duterte had admitted during the campaign period that he was sexually abused by a priest.
The incoming president made the admission as he drew flak after cursing at Pope Francis during an event in November last year.(MNS)