MASSACHUSETTS
WBUR
By FRED THYS
BOSTON Cardinal Sean O’Malley, speaking during a rare press conference Tuesday, said for him one of the highlights of Pope Francis’ trip to the U.S. came in Philadelphia, when he met with victims of sexual abuse by priests.
“The Holy Father in that meeting once again recommitted himself to the task of child protection in the church,” O’Malley told reporters at Logan Airport Tuesday as he returned from Philadelphia, where he had accompanied Pope Francis. “And I know that many people are angry and disappointed and skeptical, but I think the Holy Father is taking steps to move us in the right direction.”
O’Malley said the commission which he leads — the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors — is trying to help bishops around the world develop programs that deal with sexual abuse of children effectively.
“And I’ve been invited to address the bishops in Central America in a month or so,” he said.
The cardinal said the pope is committed to a “massive” process of educating bishops, and removing them when necessary.
“Three bishops have been removed in the last six months in the United States,” O’Malley pointed out.
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