Verghese V Joseph –
Mumbai: His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias on Sunday issued a video statement through Bombay Archdiocese YouTube channel over the controversy of his purported talk with Bishop William of Mysore two years back.
The issue in Mysore has been festering for some years. Allegations include sexual misconduct, criminal activities and kidnapping. In 2019, Bishop William said that the allegations of corruption and sexual assault against him were baseless and he was ready to face investigation.
Edited versions of his August 2020 talk with Bishop William have been doing the rounds lately in the online media and on social media platforms. The contents of the talk give the impression that Cardinal was trying to protect the accused Bishop William by arranging for a clandestine paternity test as ordered by Cardinal Tagle on August 15, 2020. The version also gives the impression that Cardinal Gracias was trying to protect Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar diocese in an earlier rape issue. Another damaging impression was that the then Nuncio, Archbishop Giam Battista Diquattro, was diffident in pursuing the matter.
To clear the air, Cardinal Oswald, in his statement has emphatically denied being involved in any cover-up, whatsoever. Transcript of the statement below:
“My dear people, I was very distressed when recently well-wishers shared with my team some videos and messages that have been doing the rounds on social media. This centers around a conversation between Bishop William of Mysore and myself over two years back. After receiving the tape from a well-wisher, I have realised that the tape of the conversation has been mischievously edited to give the impression that there was collusion between Bishop William and myself for a cover-up. I categorically and emphatically deny this. In the interest of the truth and good of the church, I am communicating with you directly. I wish to state the following:
I did have a conversation with Bishop William in August 2020. During the conversation, I urged Bishop William that it was advisable for him to undergo a paternity test. I impressed upon him to that several people I know have been disturbed by the rumours going around the church and the best way to end the controversy was to take this test.
I said so then two years back and I still think so. Normally I would not have been in the picture at all. It is the papal Nuncio who coordinates with the Vatican over issues such as this.
However, several people have written to me, including people I know, I was of the opinion that, I would help the situation by persuading Bishop William to take the test at a trusted, reputed and above-board institution like St John’s Hospital.
I, hereby, clarify that at no time in the conversation or otherwise have I suggested any action that would be illegal or bring disrepute to the church. Hearing the entire conversation, one realises that my focus was on getting Bishop William to take this test. When you listen to the unedited version of the conversation, you will also understand that I suggested St John’s Hospital as
it is an institution of credibility to allay Bishop William’s fears of publicity and manipulation.
I assured him that St John’s could have the requisite controls in place to ensure that there will not be any media leakage or manipulation.
At no time did I say or suggest that we can control the outcome of the tests. This possibility by the people never, ever even crossed my mind, since Bishop William asserted his innocence.
I told him he would stand vindicated if the report came out clear.
I know my mind. I know the intentions behind my words.
In addition, hence I have chosen this medium of communication to give clarity to a course of events that has transpired and to ensure that you, my dear people, are made aware of the truth in the interest of the truth and for the good of the church.”