Video shows Francis condemning Barros protests

A newly released video of the Pope has shown him defending the controversial Chilean Bishop of Osorno who has been accused of covering up child abuse, writes Isabel de Bertodano. The Pope is recorded saying the protests against Bishop Juan Barros were “plotted” by “lefties” and that the Church in Chile “has lost its head” allowing politicians to “make judgements about a bishop, with no proof”.

Bishop Barros was ordained in March amidst chaos caused by hundreds of protesters both inside and outside the cathedral in Osorno. He is accused of having known about the abuse committed by Fernando Karadima in the 1980s and 1990s and later of ignoring complaints against the priest.

“Osorno is suffering, yes, because it is stupid and because it does not open its heart to God’s words but allows itself to be carried away by the rubbish it hears,” said the Pope. The video was recorded by a bystander in St Peter’s Square in May and shows Francis talking to a group of Chilean visitors. “Don’t be led around by the nose by these lefties who put this plot together,” he is heard saying.