Italian bishop testified in priest abuse trial … although the accusations were "alarming," he did not stop the priest's contact with children.

Italian bishop testifies 

in 

priest abuse trial 

By Hada Messia, CNN

Rome, Italy (CNN) -- An Italian bishop testified this week in the trial of a priest accused of child abuse, saying that although the accusations were "alarming," he did not stop the priest's contact with children.

Monsignor Gino Reali took the stand Thursday at Rome's Tribunal courthouse, which was packed with journalists and about 50 supporters of the priest, the Rev. Ruggero Conti.

Conti is accused of molesting seven boys at the Nativita di Santa Maria Santissima parish in Rome. He faces charges of committing sexual violence and prostitution…

Vatican guidelines regarding clerical abuse state the local diocese must investigate "every allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric," and that "if the allegation has a semblance of truth," it needs to be referred to the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith so it can decide whether a canonical trial should be launched.

Reali testified he was aware of his obligation under the guidelines.

"Did you alert them?" asked Nino Marazzita, the attorney for some of the alleged victims.

"I did not inform them," Reali replied.

Reali said he met "informally" with a member of the Doctrine of the Faith panel after Conti was arrested in June 2008, but he did not elaborate on details of the meeting.

Marazzita urged the prosecutor to charge Reali with aiding and abetting the crime of pedophilia…. Read complete article - By Hada Messia, CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/21/italy.priest.abuse/?hpt=T2

Related link:

Vatican abuse defence draws fire – by Sapa-AFP – May 18, 2010 – Times LIVE – read more

http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2010/05/vatican-abuse-defence-draws-fire-may-18.html

Ignorance about human sexuality is harmful to children.

“Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit.” Erik Erikson

…whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6

Protect children and the entire world will be safe.

Important note: No disrespect meant to Pope Benedict XVI or the hierarchy, the one and only concern is the safety and well-being of children.

Kids Are Being Hurt!!!