VATICAN CITY
Christian Today
11 April 2014 | Carey Lodge
Pope Francis has given his strongest statement yet on the sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church in recent years.
Speaking to members of BICE (International Catholic Child Bureau) in the Vatican today, the Pontiff spoke of his deep sorrow and anger at the actions of clergy who have been implicated in the allegations.
According to Vatican Radio, he said: “I feel compelled to personally take on all the evil which some priests, quite a few in number, obviously not compared to the number of all the priests, to personally ask for forgiveness for the damage they have done.
“The Church is aware of this damage, it is personal, moral damage carried out by men of the Church, and we will not take one step backward with regards to how we will deal with this problem, and the sanctions that must be imposed.
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