Pope Francis will meet with a group of clergy sex abuse victims next month at the Vatican as the pontiff declared “zero tolerance” for any priest who would violate a child.

“On this issue we must go forward, forward. Zero tolerance,” Francis said on his papal plane today while returning from Jerusalem.

The meeting with a half-dozen victims will mark the first such encounter for the new pope, who has been criticized by victims for not expressing personal solidarity with them.

Terrence Donilon, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, said Cardinal Sean O’Malley will help plan the meeting.

“The universal Church and the international community are blessed by Pope Francis continuing a leadership role in the response to the tragic events concerning the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. At this time the date of the meeting and other details have not been finalized. The Cardinal looks forward to supporting this effort by Pope Francis in whatever manner will be most helpful.”

Donilon said it’s unclear whether any Boston victims will be part of the meeting.

Francis also suggested today that he might follow in Benedict’s footsteps and retire if need be.

“He opened a door, the door of emeritus popes,” Francis said. If and when the time comes, he said, “I will do what the Lord tells me to do, pray and try to find God’s will.”

Herald wire services contributed to this report.