A recent Vatican report has shed light on the disturbing behavior of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked last year after being found guilty of sexual abuse. The report, which was released on November 10th, contains testimony from individuals who tried to raise the alarm about McCarrick’s inappropriate behavior, including with children, as far back as the mid-1980s.

The report, which is over 400 pages long, was commissioned by Pope Francis in 2018 after allegations of sexual abuse against McCarrick came to light. It was conducted by a team of investigators who interviewed over 90 witnesses and examined thousands of documents, including correspondence and financial records. The findings of the report are shocking and deeply troubling, revealing a pattern of abuse and cover-up that spanned decades.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the report is the testimony from individuals who tried to warn Church officials about McCarrick’s behavior as early as the mid-1980s. These individuals, who are referred to as “whistleblowers” in the report, include priests, seminarians, and even a bishop. They all expressed concerns about McCarrick’s inappropriate behavior towards young men and boys, but their warnings were either ignored or dismissed by Church leaders.

One of the whistleblowers, Father Boniface Ramsey, first raised concerns about McCarrick’s behavior in 1986 when he was a seminarian at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in New Jersey. Father Ramsey reported that McCarrick would often invite seminarians to his beach house and would make them sleep in his bed. He also witnessed McCarrick engaging in inappropriate behavior with young men. Father Ramsey’s concerns were brought to the attention of Church officials, but no action was taken.

Another whistleblower, Father James Grein, reported that he was sexually abused by McCarrick for years, starting when he was just 11 years old. He tried to speak out about the abuse in the 1990s, but his claims were dismissed by Church officials. It wasn’t until 2018, when the #MeToo movement brought renewed attention to sexual abuse in the Church, that Father Grein’s allegations were taken seriously.

The report also reveals that Church officials were aware of rumors about McCarrick’s behavior for years, but failed to take action. In fact, McCarrick’s behavior was so well-known that it was referred to as an “open secret” within the Church. This raises serious questions about the culture of secrecy and cover-up that allowed McCarrick to continue his abusive behavior for so long.

The Vatican report also sheds light on the financial support that McCarrick received from wealthy donors, which may have played a role in protecting him from accountability. The report states that McCarrick used his influence and connections to secure large donations for the Church, which may have made Church leaders hesitant to take action against him.

The release of this report is a significant step towards transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church. It shows a willingness on the part of Pope Francis and the Vatican to confront the issue of sexual abuse and to hold those responsible accountable. The report also includes recommendations for the Church to improve its policies and procedures for handling allegations of abuse.

It is important to note that the report does not absolve Pope John Paul II, who was Pope during the time when many of the incidents of abuse occurred. The report acknowledges that there were failures on the part of Church leaders, including Pope John Paul II, to properly address the allegations against McCarrick.

In a statement, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow and shame over the findings of the report. He also apologized to the victims of McCarrick’s abuse and acknowledged the pain and suffering they have endured. He called for a renewed commitment to preventing abuse and protecting the most vulnerable within the Church.

The release of this report is a step towards justice for the victims of McCarrick’s abuse and a step towards healing for the Church. It is a reminder that we must continue to hold Church leaders accountable and demand transparency and honesty in addressing issues of sexual abuse. Only then can we truly move towards a safer and more just Church for all.