Last month, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, accused Pope Francis and several prelates of covering up sexual abuse allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.
Dolan went on to say, “This has all left our people bewildered, frustrated, and angry; our good and faithful priests demoralized; and us bishops somber and contrite.”
Furthermore, Dolan said he ordered an independent review because Catholics in New York pleaded for “accountability, transparency, and action.”
As Special Counsel and Independent Reviewer, Jones will have complete access to the Archdiocese of New York’s records, personnel, and to Dolan himself.
In a statement, Jones said, “I approach this important assignment with an open mind and a clear understanding of the scope and scale of the issues that challenge the Archdiocese.”
In addition,” Jones said she already started reviewing the efforts of the Archdiocese. She found that it has a “robust infrastructure in place.”
“My job now will be to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing programs and policies in that infrastructure –– identify deficiencies – and recommend enhancements or new policies and procedures,” said Jones.
