Pope Lashes Out at Survivors as Abuse Summit is Set to Begin

By Zach Hiner
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
February 20, 2019

https://bit.ly/2ScDEdH

As Cardinals and Bishops from across the world gather for Pope Francis’s much-anticipated abuse summit, the tone at the start of the meeting has left survivors and advocates feeling minimized once again.

At the start of the summit, rather than lead with a message of apology, Pope Francis chose to cast aspersions instead, referring to survivors who have criticized the church as friends of the devil.”

Could there be a greater disappointment than hearing the pontiff lashing out at "accusers" as "friends, cousins and relatives of the devil" as the abuse summit opens?

Could he craft a more devastating message that would dash the hopes of victims and Catholics worldwide?

It's the oldest canard, the 'fall back' position of Catholic officials who feel pressure: Blame or shoot the messengers and attack their motives.

To those eternal optimists who can't let go of the hope that the church hierarchy will reform itself: it's time to let go. It's time to join the thousands of abuse victims who are turning to one another for healing and to secular officials for justice and prevention.