Fred Harteis News Articles -  The Vatican cautiously acknowledged today long-standing allegations of sexual abuse by the founder of a prominent Catholic community, asking him to give up his public ministry in favor of a quiet life of "prayer and penitence."

The statement said that Father Maciel would not undergo a church trial for the allegations against him, which were not disclosed, though at least nine men had accused him of molestation. The reasons, the statement said, were Father Maciel's "advanced age" and "weak health."

But the statement said the Vatican's doctrinal office had decided "to invite the father to a life reserved to prayer and penitence, renouncing any public ministry. The Holy Father has approved these decisions."

Reactions to the Vatican decision varied, with some praising the Pope for taking so public a stand and other saying it did not go far enough, given the seriousness of the allegations against Father Maciel himself and the wider crisis of confidence in the church over sexual abuse.

"It certainly could be stronger," said John Wilkins, the former editor of the influential British Catholic magazine, the Tablet.

"But this is the founder of the Legionaries," he said. "This is a pretty devastating judgment for the Legionaries. For a new movement like that, the reputation and position of the founder is critical."

The judgment was first made public on Thursday on the website of National Catholic Reporter. The Vatican document did not specify exactly what duties Father Maciel would be barred from, but National Catholic reporter quoted anonymous Vatican officials as saying he could not celebrate mass publicly, give speeches or interviews.

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Source: NyTimes.com

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