Letters to the Editor

The editorial "Priest defrocked: It's not better late" (Inquirer, Feb. 19) mischaracterizes the handling of the removal of David Sicoli from the priesthood by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In fact, his removal and the announcement demonstrate our continued commitment to transparency and to the protection of children. The facts are:

Sicoli's faculties to function as a priest have been restricted since July 2004.

In 2004, Cardinal Justin Rigali directed that a number of cases be reexamined, including Sicoli's.

The archdiocese contacted the bishop of the diocese where Sicoli lives as required by the Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The archdiocese has gone above and beyond the charter by informing civil authorities of Sicoli's address.

The archdiocese has one of the few Web sites in the country listing names, photos and assignments of diocesan clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse: (

» READ MORE: http://www.archdiocese-phl.org/

protection/updates/

update_main.htm). Sicoli has been and will remain on that Web page.

Your editorial confuses the issues of criminal and civil statutes of limitations. Lifting the civil statute of limitations would not register Sicoli as a sex offender, lead to criminal charges, or do anything to prevent the sexual abuse of children. The archdiocese recognizes this shortcoming and remains focused on addressing the unique needs of each victim.

Rev. Msgr. Timothy C. Senior

Vicar for clergy

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

As the son of a Cuban exile, I had mixed emotions, including a deflated sense of hope for the island, upon learning that Fidel Castro finally relinquished his iron grip on Cuba ("Castro stepping down," Feb. 20).

As with other immigrants, my upbringing leaves me in the awkward position of being fully integrated into this society while still hoping for positive change and justice in my ethnic homeland. While news of any tyrant stepping down is always a welcome development, the transfer of power to Raul Castro is hardly cause for celebration and will do little to alter the communist regime's abysmal record on human rights and oppression. As long as Castro breathes, it will remain difficult to engage the new leadership.

Nevertheless, the Cuban people and the United States should capitalize on any openings to promote democracy as the emblematic figure of Cuba's corrupt government fades from the political scene. Consequently, I'll keep the champagne bottles corked and remain cautiously optimistic until more dissidents are released and concrete steps are taken to recognize private property and embrace freedoms of speech, association, assembly and conscience.

Gregory Lugones

Philadelphia

» READ MORE: lugones@gmail.com

Your article about adverse side effects and the resulting lawsuits from atypical antipsychotic drugs ("Tarnished view of wonder drugs," Feb. 17) is disturbing for what it reveals about the tactics the pharmaceutical industry uses to promote powerful and often harmful drugs.

Just as disturbing is that this story and most articles about pharmaceuticals are published in the business section of the paper. If your assumption is correct, namely that most people are concerned about drug company shenanigans only if it threatens their stock earnings, then that may be the most disturbing thing of all.

Richard G. Fried

Kimberton

» READ MORE: richardfried304@hotmail.com