Duterte: Nations ‘chaotic’ when Church meddles in State affairs
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:25:27 +0000
The world would be better if Catholic priests are no longer interfering with government affairs, President Duterte said the other day.
In his latest tirade against alleged clerical abuse, the President observed that since the olden days, countries have become “chaotic” whenever church leaders meddle in State affairs.
“If you all get killed tonight, that would be better. Then we will have a better world,” Duterte said during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan campaign rally in Cagayan de Oro City about priests allegedly involved in corruption and abuse.
“All governments in the world, for as long as the Catholic Church interferes with governance, are chaotic whether it’s in Chile, South America. As long as there are priests. That has been the case since the olden times,” he said.
The President explained that the truth must come out from widespread allegations linking priests to sexual abuse. He noted that no less than Pope Francis has admitted that priests have sexually abused nuns, including using them as sex slaves.
“He admitted that sexual abuse is happening and among the victims are children and altar boys. The Pope apologized for this,” Duterte said. “You know, you Catholics, the priests, all I want is to tell the people about me and the truth,” he added.
He argued that it was the priests who first attacked him when they prayed for his death during Mass. He said he merely retaliated when he jokingly asked drug addicts to rob and kill rich bishops.
“To the priests who raped children and fondled balls, you sons of b*tches I will really kill you,” he said.
The President had previously lashed out at the Catholic Church for being the most hypocritical institution in the country amid allegations of corruption and abuse of some priests. He also repeatedly told the prelates not use the pulpit to attack his government, citing the separation of State and Church. (Genalyn Kabiling)