Pope Francis likens child sex abuse to a ‘satanic Mass’ – and vows ‘zero tolerance’ of paedophile priests

Mirror (UK)

May 27, 2014 02:31 By Chris Richards

Pope Francis has likened sex abuse by Catholic clergy to a “satanic Mass” – and has vowed to take a “zero tolerance” approach to paedophile priests.

The pontiff, 77, said three bishops were under investigation by the Vatican, although it is not clear if they were accused of committing abuse itself or of having covered it up.

He was speaking on board the papal plane after visiting Jerusalem, and ahead of a meeting with a group of sex abuse victims at the Vatican next month.

The Argentine-born pope said: “Sexual abuse is such an ugly crime … because a priest who does this betrays the body of the Lord.

“It is like a satanic Mass.

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