PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Newsworks
[Pope Addresses Sex Abuse Scandal, Visits Victims – Video, CBS News]
At at post-papal visit news conference Monday, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput reiterated his belief that the archdiocese has adequately responded to the church clergy sexual abuse scandal.
“We deeply regret the past. We commit ourselves to a better future. People are angry. They want to say we’re not doing anything but symbolic things,” said Chaput, speaking to reporters at the World Meeting of Families media center. “I understand their anger. I don’t know how to get through that, except that we keep trying.”
During Pope Francis’ whirlwind trip through the United States, the pontiff twice spoke to bishops about the Catholic Church’s clergy sexual abuse scandal.
Sunday morning in Philadelphia, speaking to church leaders in the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary chapel, Francis went off script to discuss the matter – describing abuse survivors as “true heralds of mercy.”
“God weeps for the sexual abuse of children. These cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and that all responsible will be held accountable,” said Francis.
On Monday, Chaput said Francis’ speech will reinforce the views he’s maintained.
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