Opus Dei bishop in Argentina, an opponent of Pope Francis, steps down ahead of corruption probe. [View all]

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Last edited Tue Nov 3, 2015, 04:40 PM - Edit history (1)

In a surprise announcement, first made over weekend to a congregation in side Luján Cathedral, Oscar Sarlinga, the Bishop of Zárate-Campana, in Buenos Aires Province, is resigning his post amid an internal Church investigation into embezzlement, corruption and “abuse of power” within the clergy.

Sarlinga, who has a long history of confrontations with Pope Francis, was appointed to his post by Pope Benedict.

While Sarlinga declined to comment on what had prompted his resignation, the ecclesiastical investigation into allegations of malpractice in the Zárate-Campana parish, including money laundering and sexual abuse, was likely a central factor in determining his decision. The investigation is ongoing and was launched by Pope Francis a year ago, who appointed his successor in Buenos Aires, Cardinal Mario Poli, to lead the inquiry.

According to sources inside the church, the investigation examined a number of specific instances of illegal activity in the parish, including “mismanagement of educational institutions” involving “a money laundering operation in San Pedro and San Pablo for diverting subsidies for soup kitchens granted by the Ministry of Social Development.” Also cited were reports of an alleged cover up and settlement regarding sexual abuse involving a priest within Sarlinga’s jurisdiction, and the resignation of at least one other member of the clergy who reported ethical violations in the parish.

The investigation has yet to publish its findings, but Sarlinga’s story also has a political angle. Sarlinga was also under pressure within the church regarding his relationship with Pope Francis and the proximity of the Catholic Church to institutional politics in the country and in Buenos Aires Province, the country's largest. Sarlinga’s relationship with the Pope soured in recent times by the disclosure of a 2008 plan to remove Archbishop Bergoglio of Buenos Aires (the future Pope Francis) from his post. The plan was discussed at the time with former Renewal Front presidential candidate Sergio Massa and businessman Jorge O’Reilly, who like Sarlinga is affiliated with conservative catholic group Opus Dei.

Sarlinga later admitted his involvement in discussions surrounding this plan, though he insisted it was not his alone.
Indeed, the episode was attributed by many to Sergio Massa primarily, who unlike the majority of key Argentine politicians contesting the 2015 general elections did not visit Pope Francis during the campaign.

Bishop Sarlinga is also close to the influential Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, a former Vatican Secretary of State removed by Pope Francis early in his papacy.

At: http://buenosairesherald.com/article/202233/former-francis-rival-steps-down