Calling deference a major problem that disables Catholic bishops from protecting children, Ian Elliott, former CEO of Ireland National Board for Safeguarding Children has told the Irish Times that Pope Francis has failed to solve the abuse issue. He has also said that if asked again to fill the role he held from 2006 to 2013 he would not do so, because of the toll it took on himself.

“Looking at the evidence across the world the problem is not being managed effectively anywhere by the church… I don’t believe that bishops, the clerical hierarchies, are capable of exercising the sort of judgement that is needed in order to have confidence that the vulnerable will be protected.”

“… deference to the hierarchy from within. It’s a major problem,” he said.

Calling Catholic canon law ‘archaic’ and ‘ineffective’ Elliott calls for an independent body to monitor child safety in Ireland.

Irish Times subscribers will find Ian Elliott’s comments here and here.