CBCP defends papal frontrunner Tagle over stance in clerical sex abuse

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) defended papal frontrunner Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s stance on clerical sex abuse, days before the secretive conclave begins casting its ballots in the Vatican.

This comes after watchdog group BishopAccountability.org warned that the two frontrunners for the papacy – Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Tagle – may fall short in protecting children from sexual abuse within the church.

In a rare Saturday night statement addressing the issue, CBCP clarified that “addressing allegations of misconduct by clergy rests with the respective diocesan bishops or religious superiors.”

“Since his appointment to a full-time position in the Roman Curia, Cardinal Tagle no longer holds direct authority over any diocese in the Philippines,” it said.

It also listed key roles Tagle played in crafting pastoral guidelines on sexual abuse that were disseminated in 2003. The cardinal served as archbishop of Manila between 2011 and 2019.

Tagle is in the Holy See for his second time joining a conclave. He is with Cardinals Jose Advincula and Pablo Virgilio David who are also electors for the upcoming conclave starting May 7.

The Philippines has five living cardinals — the highest number to date. Cardinals Orlando Quevedo and Gaudencio Rosales are above 80 years old and will not be part of the conclave.