Scandalous! Why can’t the victims of abuse by a Hungarian priest meet the Pope?
After several unsuccessful attempts to meet Cardinal Péter Erdő, the head of the Hungarian Catholic Church, the three victims tried to ask for an opportunity to meet Pope Francis in Budapest, but the organisers of the International Eucharistic Congress and the Vatican Embassy in Hungary refused to help them.
Over the last few decades, cases of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests began to receive more and more media and public attention in the world and in Hungary alike. Nonetheless, these cases remained hidden behind the “walls of denial” in Hungary as local church leaders chose to avoid dealing with this problem. Although numerous victims tried to come forward with their allegations of abuse, the victims’ stories about their experiences remained untold until February this year, when
Attila Pető decided to break the silence.
The man has tried to reach the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest on several occasions to call for an investigation, reports 444. The priest in question was suspended from service after the investigation revealed that Attila Pető was not his only victim.
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After Pope Francis had announced that he would visit Budapest in September 2021 to participate in the closing Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, Attila Pető and two other victims reached out to the Vatican Embassy in Hungary to organise a meeting with the Pope.
Attila Pető explained that they have tried to meet Cardinal Péter Erdő, the head of the Hungarian Catholic Church, to discuss their experiences and concerns, but they were never given an appointment.
The head of the Catholic Church met sexual abuse victims several times; for example, the Papal Legate met the survivors of abuse at the International Eucharistic Congress 2012.
The Apostolic Nunciature of Holy See in Budapest replied that they had no authority to organise papal visits
and that the Pope’s visit would focus solely on the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress, writes Hvg. As far as the organisers of the Eucharistic Congress are concerned, Attila Pető and the other victims did not even consider trying to contact them since
László Süllei, one of the organisers, reported Attila Pető for harassment in 2019 after the man tried to reach out to him via e-mail and phone.
Source: 444.hu, hvg.hu
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6 Comments
The priest, if found guilty by court, should be severely punished but there is no need to give publicity seekers, like Attila Pető a platform for self-promotion.
This Pope is just another in a long line of self absorbed and self rightous fakes. The Catholic Church could care less about the horrific damage it has done to people over the last 2000 years. This Pope is especially sickening. He lives in luxury in a walled compound , yet chastises PRESIDENT Trump for building a wall to keep out criminals from the United States. What a hypocrite this pagan is. The only thing the Catholic Church and this man are interested in is power over people and money, money, and more money. Jesus would vomit if He could see what His message to the world has wrought. Wake up world, this dogma is pure evil.
Trump is no longer anyone but a citizen living in the US and he most certainly is NOT the President anymore, thankfully. The Pope is free to chastise whomever he wants. Freedom works all ways. It’s abuse victims who have the least freedom because people would prefer to overlook the evil of some clergy than deal with it.
I disagree with everything “Account” said and with some of the things “bill sheehy” said. Pope Francis puts some devout Catholics in a very difficult situation. They are bound to accept this pope’s direction when it comes to matters of faith but they are free to disagree when this pope is speaking his opinion on social and political issues that may or may not be matters of faith. I believe that Pope Francis has crossed the line when he spoke against President Trump and his policies yet failed to condemn pro-abortion, pretend-president Biden and leading democrats. Pope Francis’ views are so far to the left that he is called the Red Pope. Others called him the anti-Christ. I don’t understand how “bill sheehy” could support President Trump while holding such extreme anti-Church views. People have done some horrible things in the name of Church but only someone with a blind hatred of would condemn the Church for the failings of some people. I am not a practicing Catholic but have known priests and people of faith I greatly admire.
The victims of abuse by priest are still left in the cold. This is known worldwide. Peter Erdö will always stand behind his church. The church is an institution that allows himself many liberties. It is a missen opportunity at the Paypal visit to speak out. But this one also hides and is conservatieve. It is a pity that there is no separation of church and state in Hungary. Orbán therefore hides behind Christian values.. Anyone who is a victime of a pedophile priest will have to come out and needs understanding from the parents. Stay away from this people! Since the law regarding the pedophiles and the lgbt are equated, there will certainly not be much attention. Only pedophiles are dangerous. Parents should only protect their children from pedophiles. These can destroy children. PS. Fortunately most priest are good people and do a very good job.
Hungarian clergy suffered greatly under communist rule. They were subjected to horrible torture. The story of József Mindszenty is well known by Hungarian Christians who find that present day excessive attacks on the clergy are reminiscent of brutal tortures of communist era. Children need to be protected from pedophiles regardless of what banner they hide under.