In response to recent reports of alleged abuse by a priest in the Diocese of Piazza Armerina, Bishop Rosario Gisana has expressed both concern and frustration, highlighting his commitment to transparency and cooperation with ecclesiastical and legal authorities.
Lack of Communication
Bishop Rosario Gisana, who oversees the Diocese of Piazza Armerina, has openly criticized the Enna Prosecutor’s Office for failing to communicate with him regarding the case of a parish priest accused of sexual assault. Speaking on the matter, the bishop expressed frustration at being left uninformed, stating, “I am offended with the Prosecutor’s Office that should have informed me. As of now, I do not know who the accused individual is.”
The bishop emphasized his role in maintaining transparency within the diocese, asserting that whenever cases of concern arise, he initiates canonical procedures and informs ecclesiastical authorities.
Canonical Procedures
Bishop Gisana outlined the protocols followed within the diocese for handling cases of alleged misconduct. According to him:
- All reports are forwarded to ecclesiastical authorities immediately.
- Parish priests are instructed to report any allegations promptly.
- Canonical investigations are initiated in accordance with Vatican guidelines.
- Victims are provided access to the necessary channels to voice their concerns.
- The diocese collaborates with external authorities when required.
Gisana assured the public that he is committed to ensuring accountability and fairness throughout the process.
Allegations and the Vatican
The bishop confirmed that the Vatican had been contacted by at least one victim, who reported dissatisfaction with the response to their initial claims. This prompted the Holy See to reach out to Bishop Gisana for further explanation. On the question of alleged compensation offered to a victim, the bishop firmly denied these claims, stating, “We did not offer any compensation.”
Despite his frustration with the lack of communication from legal authorities, Bishop Gisana reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with the judiciary. In a statement, he noted:
- He has not received any formal notification from the Enna Prosecutor’s Office regarding the case.
- He trusts in the judiciary’s ability to investigate the matter impartially.
- The diocese is prepared to provide any assistance required to ascertain the truth.
Bishop Gisana also reiterated his dedication to maintaining the integrity of the church, emphasizing that he has never attempted to cover up any allegations or protect those accused of wrongdoing.
Moving Forward with Transparency
As the investigation continues, Bishop Gisana has called for a collaborative approach between the church and legal authorities to ensure justice is served. He highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of victims while maintaining the presumption of innocence for those accused until proven otherwise.
This unfolding case underscores the need for effective communication and accountability between the judiciary and religious institutions. For the Diocese of Piazza Armerina, the focus remains on fostering trust, transparency, and healing within the community.