Pope Francis has sent a letter to Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Archbishop of Santo Domingo, introducing the new Papal Nuncio, Jude Thadeus Okolo asking for support so that he can carry out his mission here with everyone’s cooperation, understanding and respect. The new Nuncio is due to present his credentials to President Medina today, Tuesday 26 November.
“The Church does not want privileges, does not have political interests, and does not seek strategic alliances. It wants to serve, serve all, and that is why it works for the common good, peace, progress, freedom, justice, solidarity and the integral development of Dominicans,” Pope Francis wrote in an unusual letter to the Cardinal, Nicolas Lopez Rodriguez. The Dominican cardinal has already reached retirement age.
Archbishop Jude Thadeus Okolo replaces Papal Nuncio Joseph Wesoloski, who the Dominican authorities accuse of pedophilia. Wesoloski was in the Dominican Republic from 2008 to 2013. In 2012 and 2013, investigative reporters began to follow his case. The church removed him in August 2013 prior to his having to face the judiciary. The Vatican said they are carrying out an investigation.
In the letter of introduction sent by the Pope to the Cardinal, the head of the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged the past problems. “I want to assure you, dear Brother, that I have very present in my prayers the beloved People of God who reside in the Dominican Republic, especially those who suffer due to the sins of men and women of the Church.”
The Pope writes about “torpezas” or blunders by the men of the church. He said: “And I would like to reiterate the commitment, clear and brave, so that the victims of these blunders are always defended and guided, so that justice can be seen to in all its aspects,” he wrote.
The Pope says that Monsignor Jude Thadeus Okolo has all his trust and the support of his prayers.
El Papa envía carta al cardenal López Rodríguez y pide apoyo para el nuevo nuncio
www.acento.com.do/index.php/news/117507/56/Nuria-denuncia-destituido-nuncio-Wesolowski-bebia-y-prostituia-ninos.html
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/josef-wesolowski-child-abuse-dominican-republic_n_3875222.html