Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 9/20/2004

Question
I'm wondering why the Vatican does not or cannot pay for abuse settlements that have pushed the Archdiocese of Portland and diocese of Tucson to Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Is each diocese its own private entity when it comes to finances? How does it work?

Thank you very much for answering.
-Mark Poepsel   KOLD NEWS 13 TUCSON

Answer
                  Peace

Dear Mark Poepsel
    As I understand laws in the US in general terms, and canon Law abit more, I will try to answer you. It seems to boil down to the fact each diocese is a legal reality of its own under US and most national laws elsewhere.
    Why does't the Vatican step in a pay the settlements?
I think there a few reasons. First the Vatican wasnt sued or charged. Second, to avoid the appearance of cover-up thus avoiding scandle. The first two together kinda form a third reason: to hold the guilty accountable and to prevent future scandle.
     The above is my opinion based again on my limited knowledge of civil law in US and Canon.
  

                your servant but His first
                       george
                 (ravjerome72 on yahoo messenger)