Carlotto: 'Bergoglio has time to think over and make a 'mea culpa''

The head of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo Estela de Carlotto today gave a “vote of confidence” to former cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in his “new mission” as Pope but warned that he should make a “mea culpa” if he committed “a crime or a mistake” during Argentina’s military dictatorship.

“There is always time. When someone commits a crime or a mistake, even if it is not considered a crime, there is time to think over and make a mea culpa. I think it is a supreme Christian act to confess a sin, to repent and feel contrition,” the founder of the human rights organization told reporters of Milenium radio station.

Carlotto explained that two priests have judicially denounced Bergoglio which she considered a fact and not an “anecdote” that casts a “shadow” over the Pope´s figure although she pointed out that he has not been indicted.

“The repentant must be given a chance, but we must first wait for him to repent,” she added and gave the newly elected pontiff a “vote of confidence in this new mission he has began with great humility”.

Still, she denied Bergoglio’s approachement to human rights organisms. “He has helped with other excrutiating issues but not with ours,” Carlotto affirmed considering Bergoglio “belongs to the Church that darkened the history of the country.”