An interesting question in the wake of Pope Francis’s reform of reporting law and bishop accountability measures is: who will be first? In the English-speaking world, the Diocese of Buffalo could be the first big test. The veteran Philadelphia-based Church-watcher Rocco Palmo even suggested that the whole business boils down to “Buffalo or bust”.
The Bishop of Buffalo, Richard Malone, has been accused of mishandling several cases on his own watch and failing to deal appropriately with cases he has inherited, involving both the protection of minors and what the new law considers “vulnerable adults”. Bishop Malone and his auxiliary, Bishop Edward Grosz, have also been accused of unresponsiveness and even flagrant disregard for the good of the flock. Both bishops strongly defend their records and deny they have broken any laws. They say they have no intention of resigning.
