A cardinal, sanctioned for sexual abuse, attended pre-conclave meetings. Cardinals discussed challenges facing the Church, including abuse and evangelization. The discussion on abuse occurred the day after the sanctioned cardinal was seen at a public event with other prelates. Over 100 cardinals present are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave.
7 days ago
Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, who was sanctioned for sexual abuse, has been seen attending pre-conclave meetings in Rome 1. These meetings involve cardinals discussing important issues for the future of the Church and qualities needed in the next Pope 1. Cipriani was observed at a public event and leaving the hall where the meetings are held, despite previous restrictions 1.
Cipriani, a prominent figure in Latin America, faced accusations of sexually abusing an adolescent boy in 1983 1. Pope Francis sanctioned Cipriani in 2019, restricting his ministry, attire, and conclave participation 1. These restrictions seemingly barred him from wearing cardinal robes and participating in the conclave 1. Cipriani has denied the allegations, arguing a lack of due process and comparing his situation to that of Cardinal George Pell 1.
Victims' advocacy group, Bishop Accountability, condemned Cipriani's presence at the meetings 1. They questioned the Vatican's logic in allowing him to participate, citing the existing sanctions and the rules of Universi Dominici Gregis 1. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, stated that all cardinals are able to participate in the general congregations, without confirming Cipriani's participation or addressing the sanctions 1. The Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) supported the Pope's decision to impose sanctions, stating that they remain in force and were agreed upon by Cipriani 1.
This query refers to a hypothetical situation regarding a sanctioned Cardinal attending pre-conclave meetings. To address this, I will define Cardinals, explain their role in pre-conclave meetings, and discuss the implications of a sanctioned Cardinal's participation with reference to relevant Church documents.
Here's my plan:
Here's my response:
The College of Cardinals holds a unique position in the Catholic Church, especially during the period of "sede vacante," when the Holy See is vacant. Their primary responsibilities include electing the new Roman Pontiff and assisting in the governance of the Church .
Cardinals constitute a special college within the Church . They are chosen by the Roman Pontiff and are outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence . Cardinals assist the Pope in two ways:
During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the College of Cardinals is entrusted with the government of the Church solely for the dispatch of ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed, and for the preparation of everything necessary for the election of the new Pope . This is done within the limits set down by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis .
The pre-conclave meetings, also known as the General Congregations, are held to address various tasks :
The Code of Canon Law specifies penal sanctions in the Church, including medicinal penalties or censures and expiatory penalties . Censures aim to correct the offender and bring them back to righteousness .
Ecclesiastical censures are medicinal and spiritual punishments imposed by the Church on a baptized, delinquent, and contumacious person . These censures deprive the individual of certain spiritual goods until they recover from their contumacy . Excommunication, the severest censure, deprives the guilty Christian of all participation in the common blessings of ecclesiastical society .
If a Cardinal is under sanction, particularly excommunication, their participation in pre-conclave meetings could be problematic:
The participation of a sanctioned Cardinal could raise questions about the validity of the pre-conclave proceedings and the subsequent election. However, the Church distinguishes between disciplinary and doctrinal levels . The primary aim of sanctions is medicinal, to encourage repentance and return to unity .
The Fifth Lateran Council addressed the issue of simony in papal elections, decreeing that any election involving simony is null and void . While this addresses a specific form of corruption, it underscores the Church's concern for the integrity of the electoral process .
In summary, the attendance of a sanctioned Cardinal at pre-conclave meetings introduces complexities. While the College of Cardinals is responsible for governing the Church during the vacancy and preparing for the papal election, sanctions may limit a Cardinal's rights and participation. The key consideration is whether the sanction affects the Cardinal's eligibility and whether their participation compromises the integrity of the process.