Pope's Appointee Denies Some Sex Abuse Victims, Claims US Organization

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández, archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, to head the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, which includes handling sex abuse allegations against clergy. However, a U.S.-based group, BishopAccountability.org, has criticized the appointment, stating that Fernández had previously discounted victims' claims of sexual abuse by a priest in the La Plata archdiocese. The group argues that Fernández should have been investigated rather than promoted to such a high position within the Church. Fernández, known as the "pope's theologian," is a trusted adviser to Pope Francis and has been involved in drafting important documents. The Catholic Church has pledged to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy on clergy sexual abuse.