Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández has responded to criticism from what he termed “anti-Francis groups” of a book he wrote as a priest in the mid-1990s called “Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing.”
Newsroom (03/07/2023 08:36, Gaudium Press) Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández has responded to criticism from “anti-Francis groups” regarding a book he wrote in the mid-1990s called “Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing.” Fernández clarified that the book was intended as a catechesis for teenagers and not a theology book. He explained that the attacks against the book, which he claims come from Catholics in the United States, are based on misinterpretations and mistranslations.
Fernández, who has been appointed as the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith by Pope Francis, has faced significant criticism, including over this particular book, which is no longer included in most official lists of his publications. He acknowledged that there are groups outraged by his appointment and expressed his gratitude to those who know him well and continue to support him.
The archbishop emphasized that the book in question no longer exists and that he has written other high-level books. He defended his approach of using diverse languages and reaching out to everyone, as he believes it is important for a theologian to communicate in a way that is accessible to all.
Fernández also faced criticism from BishopAccountability.org, a group that tracks sexual abuse by clergy. The group claimed that Fernández publicly defended and supported a priest accused of sexual abuse, even after an arrest warrant was issued and the priest later died by suicide.
Fernández signed his Facebook post with the nickname “Tucho,” which is commonly used to refer to him in Argentina.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
