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Pope never mentioned ‘pedophile cardinals', says Vatican

Fr. Lombardi contradicts comments attributed to Pope Francis in 'La Repubblica'
Pope never mentioned ‘pedophile cardinals', says Vatican

Yesterday's 'La Repubblica' article reportedly took the Vatican by surprise. (AFP Photo)

Published: July 14, 2014 03:54 AM GMT
Updated: July 13, 2014 07:36 PM GMT

The content of the article published in yesterday’s issue of La Repubblica newspaper was not an interview, the phrases in speech marks which Francis allegedly pronounced had not been recorded, the author of the article had not taken notes and neither did Francis read said text prior to publication. The quotations contained in the article are a reconstruction from journalist Scalfari’s own memory of what was said during various conversations with the Pope. Francis did not make the comments regarding “pedophile cardinals” that are mentioned in the article, neither did he speak about priestly celibacy in such terms, nor did he say he would come down hard on pedophile priests “like Jesus did.” The fact that Fr. Federico Lombardi immediately contradicted the comments attributed to the Pope in the article, indicates how surprised everyone in St. Martha’s House was to read the news this morning.

“It is important to notice that that words that Mr. Scalfari attributes to the Pope, “in quotations” come from the expert journalist Scalfari’s own memory of what the Pope said and is not an exact transcription of a recording nor a review of such a transcript by the Pope himself to whom the words are attributed. We should not or must not speak in any way, shape or form of an interview in the normal use of the word, as if there had been a series of questions and answers that faithfully and exactly reflect the precise thoughts of the one being interviewed,” Fr. Lombardi said in his statement.

“It is safe to say, however that the overall theme of the article captures the spirit of the conversation between the Holy Father and Mr. Scalfari while at the same time strongly restating what was said about the previous “interview” that appeared in La Repubblica: the individual expressions that were used and the manner in which they have been reported, cannot be attributed to the Pope.

 

Full Story: The Pope’s conversation with Scalfari and the words Francis never pronounced

Source: Vatican Insider

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