Abp Scicluna in Chile to hear testimony in the Barros case

Abp Scicluna in Chile to hear testimony in the Barros case

Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

The Chilean bishops have released information about the visit of Archbishop Scicluna in Chile, who has been tasked with gathering information concerning the case of Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno.

The Chilean Episcopal Conference (Cech), has released some details regarding the presence in Chile, in recent days of Charles Scicluna, archbishop of Malta and President of the College for the examination of appeals (in matters of delicta graviora) for the Ordinary Session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Cech, in a press release,  said that Archbishop Scicluna arrived in Chile yesterday, and today he will begin to listen to those who have expressed their desire to provide new facts regarding the situation of the bishop of Osorno. The archbishop will continue to listen to the witnesses until next Friday, in premises made available by the apostolic nunciature.

Some witnesses will keep their identity confidential

In the note - taken from the Sir agency - it is underlined that, "with the scope facilitating the meeting, the apostolic nunciature in Chile, in agreement with Archbishp Scicluna, has told those who have asked to be listened to, to precede the encounter with a written report, in which they highlight the fundamental points to be discussed during the private meeting.” The documents will be delivered to Archbishop Scicluna, respecting their reserved nature. The Episcopal Conference also specifies that some people have asked to keep their identity confidential.

The Chilean bishops thank the Pope

The Chilean bishops thanked the Holy Father, as already expressed in recent days,  denoting in his choice "an attitude of true listening and closeness to the reality and challenges of Chilean Church and society". They also added their thanks "for the availability of all those who have asked to meet with Scicluna to present their testimonies and to all the people who freely declared themselves willing to hand over their evidence ".

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