On the plane from Ireland to Rome on Sunday night, Pope Francis was asked about the accusations made against him by Archbishop Vigano. He refused to answer, simply saying:
“I read that statement this morning. I read it and I will say sincerely that I must say this, to you (the reporter) and all of you who are interested: read the document carefully and judge it for yourselves. I will not say one word on this. I think the statement speaks for itself and you have sufficient journalistic capacity to reach your own conclusions,”
For all those looking to find Francis guilty, that is as good as an outright admission of guilt. Surely if he was innocent, he would have said so. Why would anyone allow themselves to be falsely accused?
As Steve Skojec wrote, "It’s an act of hubris so stunning, I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it." Or as Matt Walsh wrote, as quoted by John Zuhlsdorf: "There are no flattering ways to interpret Pope Francis’ non-denial. Either he is guilty as sin or he has so much disdain and hubris in his heart that he does not think he owes anyone an explanation. "
