Monday, February 10, 2014

UN committee chairman defends criticism of Vatican

http://qn.quotidiano.net/esteri/2014/02/05/1021116/images/2645108-1onu.jpgThe chairwoman of the UN committee that issued a sharply critical report on the Holy See’s handling of sexual abuse has defended that report against Vatican charges of unfair treatment. 

Kirsten Sandberg, who chairs the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, said that her committee issued its report only after “objectively examining all relevant information.” 

She swept aside charges that the committee had drafted its final report before hearing from Vatican officials, and a complaint that the committee had drawn its information primarily from groups critical of the Church.

Sandberg said that her committee “welcomed the open and constructive dialogue it had with the delegation of the Holy See, which made positive commitments in numerous areas.” 

She said that she was particularly gratified by the Vatican officials’ commitment “to change attitudes and practices,” and looks forward to the implementation of her committee’s recommendations.