Chile: Archbishop Scicluna arrives to hear testimony in Barros case

Archbishop Scicluna

Source: Vatican News Service

The Chilean Bishops Conference has confirmed that Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna arrived in the country yesterday and is soon to begin hearing testimony from witnesses concerning the case of Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno. The Archbishop is scheduled to continue the meetings until next Friday.

The press statement explains that witnesses have been asked to submit a written report outlining the basic points they wish to discuss, before the meetings. Some people have asked for their identities to be kept confidential.

The Bishops have thanked the Holy Father for sending Archbishop Scicluna, saying that choosing him indicated "an attitude of true listening and closeness to the reality and challenges of Chilean Church and society." They also expressed their thanks "for the availability of all those who have asked to meet with Archbishop Scicluna to present their testimonies and to all the people who freely declared themselves willing to hand over their evidence.