Why We Love John Allen

by Michael Sean Winters on Feb. 07, 2012

I know that some readers come only to certain parts of the NCR website, but all readers should consult John Allen's report on the sex abuse conference going on in Rome. John, whose rolodex is the envy of all Vatican reporters, brings us behind the scenes, and past the stereotypes, to show how the culture of the Vatican itself is changing, slowly to be sure, but changing nonetheless.

Well, not everyone "loves"

Submitted by Ami (not verified) on Feb. 07, 2012.

Well, not everyone "loves" John Allen. Many see him as more of a PR man for the Vatican than a real journalist.

Frankly, it seems they (the PTB) just keep escalating the political theatre. When you have Levada and Brady as speakers, exactly ONE victim, NO parents of victims, NO announced plans to hold bishops accountable and responsible when they fail to report suspected pedophilia or other sexual crimes against the young (such as taking photos of children's genitals - Kansas City), then it's all just one more opportunity to try to fool the people into thinking that something is being done. It's not.

Until there are policies in place that govern the actions and define the consequences to bishops (they will be expected to turn in their resignations) who protect priests instead of the young, it's a farce. But, John Allen dutifully reports all of this in the most favorable and flattering to Rome and the hierarchy way possible.

YOU may "love" John Allen. But many of us think that NCR needs a new reporter for the Vatican beat - one who isn't so entranced by the being close to power and pomp.

Ah, yes, good old Cdl.

Submitted by Jim McCrea (not verified) on Feb. 07, 2012.

Ah, yes, good old Cdl. Levada:

http://www.mgr.org/LevadaTrajectory-Details.html

It's a little hard for him to wear the "holier than thou" mantle in the clear light of history.

Well said, Ami!

Submitted by MikeK (not verified) on Feb. 07, 2012.

Well said, Ami!

Pretty much agree with the

Submitted by 70ish (not verified) on Feb. 07, 2012.

Pretty much agree with the critics, except he does have contacts at the Vatican. I usually trust him with the facts, just not with the interpretation of the facts. Also --- why was there no "Reply" available on his short story regarding the Irish woman who was abused and who testified at the summit.

Count me in as a reader who

Submitted by ReginaSchulte (not verified) on Feb. 09, 2012.

Count me in as a reader who agrees with Ami. I could have written her
comment myself.

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