PNoy criticizes Filipino clergy in front of Pope Francis

(Updated 1:12 p.m.) Right in front of Pope Francis, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday criticized local Roman Catholic Church leaders for their supposed silence during the past administration.

 

In his message during the Pope’s courtesy call in Malacañang, Aquino hit members of the Filipino clergy for supposedly tolerating “abuses” committed by his predecessor, former President now incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

“There was a true test of faith when many members of the Church, once advocates for the poor, the marginalized, and the helpless, suddenly became silent in the face of the previous administration’s abuses, which we are still trying to rectify to this very day,” the President said.

 

Aquino then went on to lambast local Church leaders critical of his administration.

 

“In contrast to their previous silence, some members of the clergy now seem to think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize, even to the extent that one prelate admonished me to do something about my hair, as if it were a mortal sin,” the President said.

 

“Is it any wonder then, that they see the glass not as half-full, or half-empty, but almost totally empty? Judgment is rendered without an appreciation of the facts,” he added.