Stick it up your junta: Vatican hits back at criticism of Pope's action during Argentinian military rule
Stick it up your junta: Vatican hits back at criticism of Pope's action during Argentinian military rule
It has been claimed Cardinal Bergoglio delivered slum priests to the brutal 1976 to 1983 dictatorship’s death squads
Row: Pope Francis
The Vatican today hit back at criticism of Pope Francis over his actions during Argentina’s military junta. It has been claimed the former Jorge Mario Bergoglio delivered slum priests to the brutal 1976 to 1983 dictatorship’s death squads while he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. But the Vatican said today the accusations stemmed from “anti-clerical, left wing elements that are used to attacking the church” and “must be clearly and firmly denied”. Federico Lombardi, the Pope’s spokesman, said: “There has never been a credible accusation. "Argentinian justice interrogated him... he was never charged with anything. He documented his denials of the accusations against him. "There are also many declarations that Bergoglio tried to protect many people in his time during the military dictatorship. His role is very clearly noted.” It is accepted Bergoglio did not stand up to the junta – but nor did most Argentines. The Catholic Church has also been criticised. However, Jesuit priest Orlando Yorio, who is now dead, once claimed he refused to publicly endorse his slum work, effectively delivering him to death squads. He and fellow slum priest Francisco Jalics were both kidnapped and tortured in 1976.
It has been claimed Cardinal Bergoglio delivered slum priests to the brutal 1976 to 1983 dictatorship’s death squads
Row: Pope Francis The Vatican today hit back at criticism of Pope Francis over his actions during Argentina’s military junta. It has been claimed the former Jorge Mario Bergoglio delivered slum priests to the brutal 1976 to 1983 dictatorship’s death squads while he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. But the Vatican said today the accusations stemmed from “anti-clerical, left wing elements that are used to attacking the church” and “must be clearly and firmly denied”. Federico Lombardi, the Pope’s spokesman, said: “There has never been a credible accusation. "Argentinian justice interrogated him... he was never charged with anything. He documented his denials of the accusations against him. "There are also many declarations that Bergoglio tried to protect many people in his time during the military dictatorship. His role is very clearly noted.” It is accepted Bergoglio did not stand up to the junta – but nor did most Argentines. The Catholic Church has also been criticised. However, Jesuit priest Orlando Yorio, who is now dead, once claimed he refused to publicly endorse his slum work, effectively delivering him to death squads. He and fellow slum priest Francisco Jalics were both kidnapped and tortured in 1976.