Juan Carlos Cruz: the survivor who changed the pope’s mind on sex abuse. Ep. 85

Juan Carlos Cruz was abused by the notorious predator Fernando
Karadima, a Chilean Catholic priest. For years, the Catholic Church
in Chile disregarded the abuse allegations against the powerful
cleric. One cardinal even told Juan Carlos it was hard to believe
he was a victim because he is gay and “might have liked it.” When
Pope Francis visited Chile earlier this year, he initially
dismissed as “slander” allegations from Juan Carlos and other
victims that a bishop had covered up Karadima’s abuse. Yet Juan
Carlos persisted and, by sharing his story, has changed the church
in Chile and given hope to many other survivors.   We ask Juan
Carlos: What it’s like to feel betrayed by the pope—and to have the
pope ask for your forgiveness? What concrete steps do Pope Francis
and the church need to take to protect and bring healing to
survivors of sexual abuse?   In Signs of the Times, the
International Union of Superiors General is urging sisters who have
been abused to report the crimes to police and their superiors,
more details emerge about February’s global summit on sex abuse at
the Vatican and Catholics respond to the migrant crisis at the
U.S.-Mexico border. Plus, we discuss the U.S. bishops’ new pastoral
letter on racism. It’s been 40 years since the bishops have spoken
together on racial justice. Does this statement go far enough?
  Let us know what you think about our conversation with Juan
Carlos or any of these stories on our Facebook page or Twitter. And
please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our
Patreon community.   Also: If you want to learn more about the
Vatican’s meeting on sex abuse, check out the latest episode of
Inside the Vatican, a new podcast from our colleague and friend of
the podcast, Colleen Dulle.   Links from the show: Catholic
Nuns Urge Sisters Around the World to Report Sexual Abuse to Police
Exclusive: Archbishop Scicluna says February meeting start of
‘global approach’ to fighting sex abuse Caravan migrants join long
queue of asylum seekers in Tijuana U.S. bishops adopt new
anti-racism letter, first in almost 40 years   What’s on tap?
Holy Water, courtesy of Zac’s mom and future in-laws: Peach
schnapps, vodka, blue curaçao, Crystal Lite lemonade. Learn more
about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices