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Abortion row cleric resigns

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Published Date: 02 July 2009
THE Vatican has announced the retirement of a Brazilian archbishop who caused a major stir when he declared that those involved in an abortion for a nine-year-old rape victim were excommunicated.
The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation submitted for reasons of age of Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho of Olinda and Recife.

The archbishop, 76, said in May that the mother and doctors of the girl were excommunicated. The Church considers excommunication automatic for those involved in an abortion.

Brazil's president sharply criticised the decision and a Vatican prelate argued for a sense of "mercy" in such cases.





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  • Last Updated: 01 July 2009 9:48 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Tom in Belmont,

Belmont 02/07/2009 02:24:50
As canon law requires bishops to tender their resignations at age 75, he had already resigned last year. The pope merely delayed his acceptance, probably to allow a suitable replacement to be vetted.
2

James the Third,

02/07/2009 15:08:37
Correct #1.

Just the usual Scotsman modus operandi of taking every opportunity to show the Church in a bad light.
3

Joburg Pete,

02/07/2009 16:18:14
I am not a Catholic, I am not even religious, but I do have respect for religious people and their churches on the basis that their values and beliefs are cemented in that regard.
I have read the article and I cannot find any malice on the part of the Scotsman. I see a story about a religious man who was not happy that a 9 year old rape victim had her pregnancy terminated. I dont know what to say, I am quite stunned by his stance. But at the same time I suppose I need to be mindful of the Priests life and his studies. He is unable to see things the way so many of us see things. I can safely say that god is obsolete, reached its sell by date. But the old priest cannot ever utter such words and I respect that.
Common sense usually prevails in such cases no matter how the church decides to dress it.

 

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