Mexico City, Mexico, Apr 15, 2010 / 10:05 am
A high-ranking federal official in Mexico asserted this week that “the vast majority of priests are good men who work for a better country.”
After a closed-door meeting with the Mexican bishops, Francisco Gomez Mont said, “Most priests are good people who should not be tainted by the aberrations of a few.”
He added that the bishops are taking positive steps in resolving cases of abuse in Mexico, and rejected claims that the hierarchy of the Catholic Church tried to keep the government from punishing priests who have been found guilty of crimes.
“Pedophilia is a crime that deserves a response from the State,” Gomez continued. “I don’t know anybody who has asked me not to try someone who has been charged with harming children.”
During the meeting with the bishops, Gomez discussed matters related to security, political reform, religious freedom and respect for human rights.