Two Chilean prelates conspired to block a well-known sex abuse survivor from being named to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Leaked emails from 2013 and 2014 between Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati of Santiago and his predecessor Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz showtheir efforts to block the appointment of Juan Carlos Cruz.
The cardinals feared such an appointment would damage the Church and would allow “lies” to gain currency.
They also discussed the key Vatican officials they needed to consult to prevent Cruz from being invited to speak at a meeting of Anglophone bishops on sex abuse.
Cruz has been outspoken in accusing Cardinal Errazuriz of covering up for the crimes of abuser Fr Ferando Karadima.
Commission member Marie Collins said she was “disgusted” at the cardinals’ attitude and said it would be discussed by the commission.