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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Pope must heal church

I am Catholic. I am heartsick as I look to my church to right the wrongs that have occurred. I look to Pope Francis to be a healer.

He needs to say to these offenders “Lay down your garments and depart” … to jail, no job, no pension, no retirement home, just jail until our children heal – which is likely the 12th of Never. There should be no statute of limitations on such heinous crimes. Perhaps with retribution here on Earth, Hell may not burn as hot!

We think we can’t lose so many priests? They are not priests, they are an infestation. They have hurt more Catholics than they have served. Meanwhile we cannot let our good and faithful priests be tarred with the same brush.

Pope Francis cannot send them to prison but he can excommunicate, then all of the above. Civil authorities need to take over from there. This includes those who covered it up and sent them to new territory.

I trust Pope Francis has the fortitude to say “Get thee away Satan.” If not there will be a gaping hole in our church, like the one in our hearts now.

Genie Wood

Coeur d’Alene

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