Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) A former Buffalo Diocese whistleblower talks openly about the papal conclave.
"It's impossible to start with a clean slate. I don't want to disparage the former pope and the good he did. But the problems are still present and they're real," said James Faluszczak, a former priest and abuse survivor who continues to be an activist for clergy abuse victims.
Faluszczak and others have been fighting for zero tolerance with former bishops who continue to cover-up crimes against children and vulnerable adults. He told WBEN those calls have gone unanswered.
He said many cardinals going to the conclave, are eligible to become
pope, but have long histories of covering things up.
"They're hands are dirty. In my mind, the conclave is somewhat tainted," said Faluszczak.
He specifically takes issue with New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan being part of the conclave.
"You'll recall that he ordered an investigation of former Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone. A report was never issued. Dolan should be ineligible to be a cardinal, let alone being in the conclave choosing the next pope," he added.
The clergy abuse scandal against the Buffalo Diocese occurred under Malone's tenure as Buffalo Bishop. Malone stepped down as Bishop but he continues to celebrate mass in the Diocese. Bishop Michael Fisher told WBEN in April that Malone is still considered a Bishop in good standing by the Holy See.
Faluszczak explained that Bishop Malone, or Bishop Fisher might ask a priest...
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