NEW POPE WILL
HAVE OPPORTUNITY
TO RESET VATICAN
COMMUNICATIONSBy Richard E. Nicolazzo
Here’s the Vatican’s massive crisis
communications problem in a nutshell:
What does the Church say? The Vatican
confirmed that O’Brien had resigned as Archbishop of Saint Andrews and
Edinburgh, but insisted the accusations against him had nothing to do with his
quitting. Really?
In my view, given what’s happened to the
Church over the past decade statements like this lack transparency and
credibility, and infuriate Catholics around the world who are trying to see
light at the end of this dark and disturbing tunnel.
With the start of the conclave only days
away, it’s been another rough stretch for an institution that faces one of the
biggest PR problems in modern history.
The respected Italian newspaper La
Repubblica has reported that Pope Benedict XVI resigned after receiving the
results of an internal investigation (delivered in a 300-page, two-volume
dossier) that laid bare a sordid tale of blackmail, corruption and gay sex
inside the Vatican.
Naturally, Rev. Federico Lombardi, Vatican
spokesman, refused to comment on the report.
This comes in the wake of a grass-roots
campaign orchestrated by parishioners to shame another Cardinal, retired Los
Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, into refraining from taking part in the conclave
because of his alleged role in protecting sexually abusive priests. Mahony, who
is testifying before a grand jury, maintains he will participate in the
conclave and vote.
Jesuits Stepped Up and Took Responsibility
More than a decade ago, my firm faced the
same problem, albeit on a smaller scale, when it represented the Society of
Jesus (Jesuits). The Society was drawn into the public maelstrom over the
occurrence and handling of pedophilia cases involving clergy in the Archdiocese
of Boston.
The Jesuits, long noted for producing some of the Church’s leading theologians and educators, staffed three preparatory high schools in New England. Allegations of sexual abuse had been raised about a number of Jesuit priests, in particular, one who coached young boys at Boston College High School.
Instead of ducking the matter, the Jesuits
stepped up and took responsibility. Leadership of the N.E. Province created a
hot line inviting anyone to call who might have been impacted by the priest in
question. At one point, the Jesuits stood by school leadership at a press
conference where every question was addressed and answered. The Jesuits also
offered psychological counseling for the victims, their families and anyone who
might have been impacted as a result of the abuse. They displayed humility,
kindness and sympathy.
It turns out that as far back as 1987, the
N.E. Province adopted a formal policy for dealing with cases of sexual misconduct.
In 1994, the policy was further amended and strengthened to adhere to relevant
state laws.
While the scrutiny of the Boston
Archdiocese continued for years, the Jesuits’ recognition of the problem and
commitment to take immediate remedial action took the media spotlight off their
Province in a matter of weeks.
What lessons from the Jesuits matter can
be applied to Rome? Here are six ideas that, in my view, can begin to change
the tide.
1. Take
Responsibility. The first step in any crisis is to take responsibility. While
the Church has settled a number of lawsuits and established counseling centers
for victims, there is an air of arrogance and lack of accountability for the
behavior of the clergy at the Vatican. They must admit to wrongdoing.
2. Clean House. The Church has been too
reactionary. Gratuitous PR toward victims further demeans them and leaves
permanent psychological scars. The next Pope has an opportunity to take more
decisive action, even defrocking priests, monsignors, archbishops, and
cardinals suspected of any type of illegal or illicit sexual behavior, or for
hiding the behavior of others. As things now stand, the “dribble-out” effect
continues to haunt the institution. It’s time to make all clergy accountable
for their behavior.
3. Stop the Secrecy. One of the most common
mistakes in any crisis is secrecy. Perpetuating the centuries-old way of doing
things inside the Vatican breeds mistrust. The report referenced by La
Repubblica is a good example. Allegedly, when it was given to the Pope, it was
stamped “Pontifical Secret.” Instead of burying it, maybe the new Pope should
release this document to the public as an example of the type of “cleansing”
that signals a new era. Getting the facts, taking responsibility, and being
transparent are key steps in addressing a major crisis.
4. Get Outside
Help. Having become so insular, the Church continues to struggle with a
meaningful solution to this human tragedy and PR nightmare. Like any
institution, when systematic problems linger for years and years, outsiders can
often provide an objective perspective and lead the way out of the darkness.
5. Name an
Effective Spokesperson. I have no doubt that Rev. Lombardi, who is often
quoted, is an honorable priest put in a difficult position. However, the Church
should put someone in front of a microphone who can actually say something
meaningful about this issue. Start simple: instead of eloquent stonewalling,
say something like “…As an institution, the Church will not tolerate any
illegal or illicit behavior by members of the clergy. One’s position in the
Church hierarchy does not matter. We are going to be transparent.”
6. Change the
Model. The Church continues to adhere to celibacy and won’t allow women to say
Mass. Decades have rolled by with the Church stuck in the past. Would any
practicing Catholic (not the men with the robes and hats inside the Vatican,
but the people in the pews) actually object to letting priests get married? My
hunch is it would be a very low percentage. As Frank Bruni wrote in a N.Y.
Times op-ed on February 26, “…The pledge of celibacy that the Church requires
of its servants is an often cruel and corrosive thing. It runs counter to human
nature. It asks too much.”
The institutional and communications tasks
facing the Church are multi-layered, complex and emotionally charged. While
improving communications is a good start, it will not be a panacea for a
meaningful turnaround. However, it will be a powerful first step and clear
message to the 1.2 to 1.3 billion Catholics globally.
Change in the Catholic Church can’t come
soon enough.
Joe M. Grillo, partner at Nicolazzo & Associates, contributed to this commentary.
