Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn has tempered expectations for the global bishops' meeting on the abuse scandal at the Vatican in February. "You can't expect miracles," he said in an interview.
"It will be a painful and long process."That Pope Francis is counting on finding a common path, however, the Viennese archbishop described to the "Stern" (Thursday) as wise.
Most important lesson for church from abuse scandal is to feel empathy for victims, Austrian bishops' conference president says. 'A cardinal's honor must never take precedence over the protection of those involved'. This must be the guiding principle."
Own behavior described as "naive
Schonborn called it naive that he had initially defended his predecessor Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer (1919-2003) against accusations of abuse: "In 1995 the events took us by surprise, we were helpless. It took us far too long to realize that the unsparing truth is the only way." Groer, who was archbishop of Vienna from 1986 to 1995, was accused of serious sexual abuse, leading to his resignation.
On same-sex marriage, the cardinal, who is a member of several Roman curia authorities, said, "Personally, I find it touching that at a time when marriage is losing its radiance, same-sex couples who feel and live together desire this highest form of partnership." Still, he said, his conviction is that marriage "is for a man and a woman – that relationship from which new life can emerge".
Abolition of celibacy not ruled out
Schonborn did not rule out abolishing mandatory celibacy for priests. He did not have a clear answer to that question. However, Jesus emphasized in his speeches that one should not put tradition higher than charity.
On the refugee ie, Schonborn said he was concerned that in the current debate the humanitarian aspect was being pushed completely into the background. "We must remember that they are human beings." Most would not have left their homes voluntarily.
"But I agree with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz that there is a need for a regulatory framework."