40 Comments

• KweenOHearts | Mar 13, 2013, 06:13 AM EDT

  I went back to the last page to read the comments generated by this article, and I am shocked beyond belief at the cavalier judgmental attitude, and summary condemnation of others exercised by people who conceivably think of themselves as 'Catholic' -- forget about the gleeful joining of the chorus by those who are not; the malevolent haters, the ones who claim to be 'atheist', or those who are addicted at jeering any time the words Catholic Church appear on this cyber-rag... just for the hell of it (literally!) --- You people are beyond contempt as you wallow in your pathetic arrogance and ignorance! Are you perchance able to look inside other people’s lives and motives so perfectly as to arrogate to yourselves the ability to point fingers and condemn? Furthermore, are you so clean and pure of sin that you are entitled to cast stones at others? Hopefully at the end of your days you’ll find a kinder and gentler judge than you are to those you those you are damning to hell now.

• jacersagain | Feb 25, 2013, 07:47 PM EST

  Thanks to seano and eiriamach for great ripostes which gave me great chuckles. Unfortunately, neither of their ripostes dealt with the truths of my posts about Ms. Christine Buckley... truths, which, I fear, both are afraid of but will face in full.

• Smyrnian | Feb 25, 2013, 02:07 PM EST

  Well now, that's surely the clincher. If the NY Times says it, it must be true!

• eiriamach | Feb 25, 2013, 01:26 AM EST

  Yes, Seano, except those stone statues on Easter Island have never a word to say for all the centuries they've been standing sentinel. Jacers, on the other hand, tells us every detail of every tale, along with the stories he hears from churchmen. He has great faith in stories told by priests and bishops and cardinals. I know many people who have great faith in God, and they're all skeptical about stories told by long-robed men in churches. You're likely to get more truth from the Easter Island statues.

• seanomelb | Feb 24, 2013, 07:11 PM EST

  If the truth be known there are probably more than two cardinals involved. Eiriamach do you ever get the feeling you are talking to stone statues?. Send all the bigots to easter Island.

• eiriamach | Feb 24, 2013, 06:38 PM EST

  Regardless of how many mountains of words Jacers piles onto his opinion, he's still calling for censorship of Christine Buckley for no better reason than that she has less education that Cardinal Brady! Los Angeles Cardinal Mahony, who covered up decades of abuse by his priests, wrote in his self-excusing blog, "Nothing in my own background or education equipped me to deal with this grave problem. In two years spent in graduate school earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work, no textbook and no lecture ever referred to the sexual abuse of children. While there was some information dealing with child neglect, sexual abuse was never discussed." The NY Times editorial that quoted these words pointedly asked how much education it takes "to recognize criminal child abusers for what they are." Buckley can recognize them; Brady failed to recognize them. The difference is character, not erudition.

• jacersagain | Feb 24, 2013, 06:06 PM EST

  (…more) Ms Buckley, like-wise, certainly has no right to speak out against the right and God-given duty of Seán Cardinal Brady to carry out his own singularly Holy Spirit-guided duty in a Papal Conclave, just as the present Pope electors have the duty to vote on what no one else of us all in our God’s world would have the courage or necessary spiritualism to cast our lot in with, like the laughing Roman soldiers immediately did in their ignorance of the future history of the death of Jesus and more importantly, of His Resurrection from dead to life again. That is something that Ms. Buckley, and all others seeking compensaton, like the Roman soldiers at the foot of The Cross were, in casting their lots, failed to achieve or acknowledg, under the bleeding feet of Jesus Christ.

• jacersagain | Feb 24, 2013, 05:58 PM EST

  (…more) But that does not disqualify Sean Cardinal Brady, on any grounds, not to be a decision-maker in the next Papal Conclave, whatever the nay-sayers might publish online. Ms. Buckley is today known to be a good, well-meaning woman within her own self-seeking and justice-seeking for people like her in her world but is also known to be a woman of limited education, mainly because she missed or skipped education classes as a young girl (some due to her own ‘couldn’t-be-bothered’ decisions, some due to the abuses and the effects of the abuses that she suffered). >>> It has to be acknowledged and asked (why is no one except me doing the asking?): By what right does Ms Buckley think that Seán Cardinal Brady, trained and eminently-qualified in various secular and theological fields, in which she isn’t, should not vote in an historical Papal Conclave? She hasn’t a clue, doesn't she? I think she would honestly say to all of us “No, I haven’t a clue about Pope elections”… and she should graciously admit that - and keep her mouth shut to only speak out on matters of rights that she has singular Holy Spirit-guided qualifications and a God-given duty to speak out upon. (more…)

• jacersagain | Feb 24, 2013, 05:54 PM EST

  (…more) The young Fr. Brady was simply a note-taker during those interviews of abuse-accusing boys (a few of which had no substance). As Seán Cardinal Brady, as we know him today, has said vociferously many times, he passed his notes or minutes of meetings to his superiors who would make or take appropriate decisions and actions ‘AS PER SET STANDARDS’ in those times (how wrong they were back then we now know – but you get the gist of the ‘just’ message of standards back then). Like the decisions of USA Armed Forces’ decision-makers of ‘AS PER SET STANDARDS’ in those days, they were not sufficient to justify True Justice, just like Cardinal Brady constantly admits to his own sorrow that he as a young priest didn’t know of, and could not have been expected to act upon every matter that was recorded given his ignorance in his learning young days, by today’s standards, were not sufficient. In fact, in saying so, he spoke on behalf of me and loads of other Catholics and people of no religion too >>> But that doesn’t… (more…)

• jacersagain | Feb 24, 2013, 05:51 PM EST

  (more…) It really needs to be acknowledged by many, especially by young people of today posting on Irish Central and by Catholic Church haters who may be descendant of Nth Irish-Scot misguided belief and already know of the history of child abuse within their own Protestant communities, how really harshly-structured things were back in time when parents didn’t have the courage to check allegations made by their children of what we call today Abuse of Children by those who were trusted in every way, including Parsons, Rectors, Priests, Nuns and by - let us all not forget to mention - family people: Fathers, Mothers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc within one’s own family and their friends or by ‘friendly’ neighbours - as are being rightfully exposed in Irish Courts these days (Irish Central is notably not highlighting these family-orientated abuse injustices as much as they do on Catholic Church injustices, may everyone please take note). (More…)

• jacersagain | Feb 24, 2013, 05:47 PM EST

  I don’t agree with the wildly charging and assuming posts of the last few posters… there is no truth in them. On the article above by James O’Shea, I think Ms Christine Buckley has no right to decide whether Seán Cardinal Brady should or not vote in the next Papal Conclave. She is just expressing her personal opinion, not a definitive exorcism or self-invocated prayer based on wrongly-held beliefs in false stories about Brady’s history… i.e. wrong allegations that he was personally responsible for cover-ups about Fr. Brendan Smyth. The then-young Fr. Brady (35-ish, still a student priest by Church standards back then) was complying with standard procedures within the Church of that time during those investigations, just as USA and Irish Army personnel were obliged, and still are today, perhaps to a lesser extent, to comply with orders within their ranks in any investigation of any kind. (More…)

• Smyrnian | Feb 24, 2013, 05:10 PM EST

  Eireamach is still on her killing spree.

• eiriamach | Feb 23, 2013, 10:46 PM EST

  Pittsburghkid takes some wild leaps of imagination -- "Liberal want the money and reversal of basic church doctrine to protect all life." Keep the laundered, ill-gotten money, and as for protecting "all life," I and millions of others would be happy enough just to see the Roman Church finally protecting Catholic children from sexually predatory priests! Calling the desire to protect children a "witch hunt" won't cover up the stench coming from decades of Vatican criminal deceit. I imagine the cardinals will have a whiff of that stench as they cast their ballots in the Sistine Chapel while facing Michaelangelo's "Last Judgment." That's the fresco for which the artist used male prostitutes for models of the virile figures he painted, right?

• Smyrnian | Feb 23, 2013, 10:37 PM EST

  Eireamach is pro killing for convenience.

• falconflash | Feb 23, 2013, 07:41 PM EST

  Pittsburhkid...Bingo! You got it right. I trust eirimach is pro choice.

• eiriamach | Feb 23, 2013, 01:26 PM EST

  Right, Mahony and Brady should not go to the conclave, but if a significant number of the voting cardinals have ever covered up for a pedophile priest, they have a vested interest in not electing someone who could save the Catholic Church by lifting the veil of secrecy from all abuse records. FalconF's fanaticism on the issue of abortion is in line with the hypocrisy cited in much of the reporting these days on the Vatican. An attitude of righteous indignation about abortion and birth control cannot save these discredited churchmen. Does anyone see any reason for optimism about a real reformer being elected pope?

• Pittsburghkid | Feb 23, 2013, 01:24 PM EST

  Pedophiles are a problem from every organization that has children involved. From Boy Scouts, to teachers, and other religions. The statute of limitations was removed in order to make the problem more then it actually is. There are two reasons behind this witch hunt. The church's stand on abortion, and the church's money. Liberal want the money and reversal of basic church doctrine to protect all life.

• merefalow | Feb 23, 2013, 10:17 AM EST

  frosty 38,why do you ask?what difference does it make.i turned my back on organized religion when i was 14,not just catholisism but the whole rotten repressive guilt trip,built on fabrication and fairy tale by a bunch of sexually repressed control freaks who manipulated an ignorant gullible populace for the cynical political greed of an unholy alliance of church and state,which represented everything that jesus was not,even if he actually existed.the myriad religions which have existed from the beginning of time,all of which had a hierarchy of priests which prevented the expansion of freedom,science and advancement of humanity.I have hoped that in this age of enlightanment the human race could advance a creed of logic,reason,science and a code that embraced all humanity without a cloak of supersticious crap being woven around tham.hope that answers your question.

• seanomelb | Feb 23, 2013, 02:06 AM EST

  Two popes which one will God listen to when they both consult him for advise. So much for infallibility,two infallible popes.

• falconflash | Feb 23, 2013, 01:19 AM EST

  Eileen, Ten years ago Cardinal Mahoney was seen as a liberal. He welcomed illegal immigrants and he asked poeple to be kind toward homsexuals....now some anti-Catholics love the idea that they can throw stones, rather boulders, at him and the Church they always hated anyway. They don't give a damn that he was a rather liberal guy, all they know is they think they have the Church on the ropes so they have turned on him with a vengeance...I am aware that many Caholics in Ireland are mad at the Church, but I can assure you that all the hatred flung at the Church over here is coming from people who have always hated the Church.

• aloistmartin | Feb 22, 2013, 10:02 PM EST

  LOL ! The Confessions of Oscar Pistorius ~

• EileenM | Feb 22, 2013, 05:33 PM EST

  Falconflash refers to me as "people like you" when he knows nothing at all about me or my beliefs. The comments on this article about Cardinal Brady are all about the longstanding position of the church to simply look the other way when it involves the abuse of minors. It's a disgrace, and the fact that these very men will elect the new pope makes the whole exercise of no consequence. The church will continue on as long as the lay people sit back and allow this. There is a huge outcry in the U.S. regarding Cardinal Mahoney, and I think that's a very positive sign that Catholics are just simply disgusted with what's gone on & still going on. And I'm sure the pope's early resignation has a lot more to do with "other issues" than simply health and age. Wait & see -- it's coming.

• seanomelb | Feb 22, 2013, 05:14 PM EST

  Falconflash condones pedaphilia by priest and their "cardinal enablers". He attacks those against pedaphilia, such as Eileen M below with an unfounded accusation. Yes falconflash hides his condonement of pedaphilia priests very well

• cillowen | Feb 22, 2013, 04:24 PM EST

  choice means to kill or not to kill - g-d's now yielding flocks to Erin. RC leadership served the Empire in its quest for dominion over the world's people - wonder if they knew what they wrought.

• marlozaleskas | Feb 22, 2013, 04:20 PM EST

  Nora. although Russell`s bl0g is really cool, last saturday I bought a new Lancia Straton from making $8671 this-past/4 weeks and-over, 10k this past munth. without a doubt it is the nicest work I have ever done. I started this 5 months ago and immediately started bringin in more than $72.. per/hr. I use this here great link,, *-- ℬuzz80.ℂOℳ --*

• ballylanger | Feb 22, 2013, 03:43 PM EST

  It's 2013. Why do human 'adults' still believe that religion is real? Did they never hear of research? As for abortion...don't worry. Most survive to become successful and wealthy politicians who are elected by those who are against abortion.

• falconflash | Feb 22, 2013, 02:13 PM EST

  Eileen M your comments beg the question: are you pro abortion? People like you cloak their pro-choice position behind terms like "out-moded."

• EileenM | Feb 22, 2013, 01:56 PM EST

  As an American Catholic of Irish descent, I am very saddened by what has become of the Catholic Church not only here in the U.S. but internationally. Former Cardinal Bernard Law, who should actually be in prison, is only prevented from voting due to his age. Roger Mahoney and Sean Brady should not be allowed to vote. I only see the new pope as being more "business as usual" in this outdated, outmoded church. Many in the U.S. have walked away from the church even though we were fully educated in Catholic schools as were our children. And Cardinal Dolan is not much better; Milwaukee is bankrupt from the payments made quietly over the years under his authority. Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston would be a good start at a complete overhaul of the universal church. But until there is inclusion of nuns and lay people, there is not much hope.

• falconflash | Feb 22, 2013, 01:51 PM EST

  Brolaur: Protestant with nothing else to do.

• falconflash | Feb 22, 2013, 01:28 PM EST

  By now Brady should have resigned. He failed in his duty of care to those unfortunates who suffered at the hands of those monsters. He should have gone to some silent monastery and beg God for forgiveness, for the rest of his life. "It is better for those that a millstone be tied around their necks etc"

• solyeant | Feb 22, 2013, 01:15 PM EST

  cloche merle in effect and we will still tow the forelock at the red hats. But the thing might boil down to "What the Butler Saw" scenario and methinks that Benny 16 has a few things in the closet not least a coterie of young bloods willing to maintain the status quo. hencce the reason for the appointment of the vigilantes and the softly softly stance on the irish paedifile priests Current rumours lead to sordid stories of gay domination of publicty machine, see Republica on Tuesday, . Seems the old Rc stuff is now so beyond repair its better to ripe it all out and start agin if it weren't for one thing and that's the cash sitting in banks paid in by parishes and principalites I would be more moved to accept the RC stance if they start talking wealth and why it isn't being sent back to the souls that could do with it .

• mowalsh | Feb 22, 2013, 01:07 PM EST

  All of you betrayed and disengaged Catholics, and especially those still clinging to the RC identity, should face the fact that the College of Cardinals is stacked with Benedict appointees; that Benedict was theEnabler in Chief of pedaphiles for many, many years; that John Paul approved, and until the RC Church welcomes both women and sexually healthy officially marriagable men into its ranks, nothing is going to change. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely and it has taken many decades for the Church to rot from its core. The teachings of Christ are secondary to the lust for power and greed.

• Frosty38 | Feb 22, 2013, 12:49 PM EST

  merefalow don't cap it is yelling. I don't think that what this for. This is a discussion on events. Let me ask a question are you a practicing Catholic? Do you serve at anything at church?

• pilib04 | Feb 22, 2013, 12:14 PM EST

  The Church should not allow blatantly evil participation into the conclave.

• merefalow | Feb 22, 2013, 11:15 AM EST

  ANY senior heirarchy,in any organization,EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY AN ORGANIZATION THAT CALLS ITSELF A RELIGION,HAS A POSITIVE DUTY,ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT QUESTION,to rid itself,to make plain in every way its abborence,and to disasociate itself in every way possible from the EVIL of peadaphilia.this is something the churches,(not just the catholic church)have failed for centuries to do.That is one of the reasons for their current failing influence and congregation drain.How is it possible for such evil to flourish as it has done without collusion and cover up at the highest levels.As in the belgian government.As in many organisations,its unbelievable this can still be going on ,.

• johnbyrne | Feb 22, 2013, 10:07 AM EST

  brady is guilty of assisting rapists to go about their sordid lives without any law in Ireland getting in on the act,do you honestly think that others high up the ranks were not involved, judges. police. doctors. teachers. coaches you name it they were there also.I have often asked on live radio is there now or has there ever been any inquest papers on any citizen who died in state care,still waiting.we in my city have to listen on an going basis about cases going through the courts & by and large its a suspended sentence as the perps are too old or to ill.not good enough but they are in front of their own under the old boys network that still is controlled by the vatican. wait until you read the real reason ratzinger jumped ship.any abuse is one too many.

• The Commentator | Feb 22, 2013, 09:41 AM EST

  I believe the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy are operating with impunity. The only plausible explanations are: 1. They are delusional, egotistical, don't give a damn for anyone but themselves. and 2. There are so many pedophiles in the upper echelon that they are afraid to excommunicate or take meaningful action against the pedophile priests and pedophile priests protectors because they are those people and would be exposed by the church officials who they punish. Cardinal Sean O'Malley seems to be the only candidate with integrity and common decency among the potential candidates for Pope. He has taken a fair and common sense approach in regard to the pedophile problem in his realm of responsibility. If he could get elected Pope, I believe he could bring honesty, integrity and respect back into the Roman Catholic Church by eradicating the immoral pompous a$$es in the Catholic church who are a disgrace the human race. Perhaps he could also clean up the money laundering, and unethical financial transactions the Vatican has engaged in for many years. CARDINAL O'MALLEY FOR POPE !!!

• jamieLM | Feb 22, 2013, 09:35 AM EST

  "It will be up to Mahony's conscience to decide whether to take part or not"....what conscience???? He can't have much of one after his "career" and the fact that he sees no problem in his going to Rome to vote. Brady talks about "the Catholic Church's failure of moral leadership and accountability..." The Catholic Church? Well, Cardinal Brady, how about YOUR failure of moral leadership and accountability??? Disgusting that any of them involved in the child sex abuse scandal get to vote for the next Pope.

• McNamara31 | Feb 22, 2013, 09:04 AM EST

  Besides Brady, Dolan and Mahoney its the Vatican and the last two Popes who's legacy should be total shame and dishonor; for who do you really think was instructing worldwide bishops to all act the same way when it came to handling abusive priests and their victims. And do you really think Pope John Paul should be made a saint knowing what we know today?

• CelticQueenUSA | Feb 22, 2013, 08:34 AM EST

  How can anyone who aided and abetted child abusing priests to go to new parishes to continue their dirty work think they can have the privilege of electing a Pope!! They are not above the law. God himself will greet them at the Pearly Gates and give them a ride down on the elevator to hell. Meanwhile they get to act like princes of the church SHAME on us.