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The Level of Francis' Appointments: Missing Cardinal Speaks of "Stupid Prank"

Spanish-born Cardinal José Luis Lacunza, 79, of David, Panama, has described his mysterious two-day disappearance in Panama as a "stupid prank".

"It was a stupid prank, something I didn't do when I was 15 years old, and I did it now when I'm about to turn 80. The older I get, the more stupid I get," the Cardinal told parishioners at a Eucharist on Sunday.

This is the shocking level of the cardinals named by Francis. "I want to apologise and ask for your forgiveness for the displeasure I have caused you in recent days," Lacunza said at Sunday Mass (4 February).

The prelate disappeared last week and was found two days later disguised as a layman in his car in the Panamanian province of Chiriquí.

This is the first public explanation of the cardinal's disappearance.

The "normal and synodal thing to do" would be to clarify what really happened, La Cigüeña De La Torre wrote on 3 February on InvoVaticana.com, "but that's not going to happen".

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Wilma Lopez

3Feb 5

How on earth does a man-child like this even get ordained let alone raised to the Sacred College of Cardinals?

LYunque

Feb 5

It speaks volumes, doesn't it?

John A Cassani

Feb 8

He has been the bishop of a tiny diocese, for about 25 years. Over that time, the ranks of his diocesan presbyterate went from single to double digits. That he is a Cardinal just shows what a clown show this is.

Orthocat

3Feb 5edited

Could it be he either was running away from something (i.e. duties, responsibilities?) or maybe is living a "double life"? I recall some Canadian bishop caught in some criminality on his return from Thailand. Why he was there was never really explained. For those who say that such speculations could be considered "rash judgement", I submit the concept that once a man is elevated to Holy Orders he …More

English Catholic

2Feb 5

@Orthocat "I submit the concept that once a man is elevated to Holy Orders he becomes a "public person" - all he does is up for scrutiny." Agreed. And not only does he have to avoid scandal but even the appearance of it.

philosopher

3Feb 5

A lot of our episcopate are in a perpetual state of adolescence. "The resistance to the TLM by bishops is childishness." -Cardinal Muller

SonoftheChurch

Feb 5

As a wise, caring mother once cautioned her hopelessly impressionable son: “Stupid is, as stupid does.”

English Catholic

5Feb 5edited

He should be checked for dementia or mental health issues. Odd behaviour can often be an early indicator of dementia. His 'prank' reason just doesn't ring true. People suffering from dementia will very often give any excuse for their behaviour, rather than admit to themselves, and others, that they are losing control.

LYunque

Feb 5

Very possible.