VATICAN CITY
Vatican Insider
In his strongest statement yet on the abuse of children by priests, Francis promised: “We will not take one step backwards with regards to how we deal with this problem”, on the contrary, “We have to be even stronger” at combating this
GERARD O’CONNELL
ROME
Pope Francis today publicly asked “forgiveness” for the sexual abuse of children by priests, and stated clearly that “we will not take one step backwards with regards to how we deal with this problem and the sanctions that must be imposed”. On the contrary, he promised “even stronger” action.
In what was his strongest statement yet on this most serious problem, Francis gave this firm commitment when he addressed members of the International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE) in the Vatican on Friday morning, April 11. BICE is a Catholic NGO that works to protect the rights and dignity of children worldwide. Putting aside his prepared Italian text, he spoke to them from the heart about this serious problem that profoundly disturbs him because it has done such terrible harm to children and minors, and also tarnished the image of the Catholic Church.
“I feel compelled to personally take on all the evil which some priests, quite a few in number, (though) obviously not compared to the total number of priests, to personally ask for forgiveness for the damage they have done, for having sexually abused children”, he said.
“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. On the contrary, we have to be even stronger. Because you cannot interfere with children”, he stated firmly.
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