The Gallese case shows that canon law has become little more than institutionalised gossip
The case of Guido Gallese has reopened the question of transparency in the Church: apostolic visitations, dossiers, removals from office and proceedings whose records often remain inaccessible even to those directly concerned.
Investigations, dossiers, removals from office and documents that remain inaccessible even to those directly concerned: while the Synod speaks of transparency, justice in the Church continues to operate behind closed doors.
Canon law is in danger of becoming institutionalised gossip. Bishops are subjected to visitations and investigations and are eventually removed from office, while the evidence, allegations and case files remain inaccessible even to those directly involved. The same thing happens in monasteries and abbeys.
Meanwhile, the Synod continues to produce documents about transparency and shared responsibility, yet hardly anyone is calling for transparency in the …