VATICAN CITY
BBC news
Pope Francis has met the victims of sexual abuse by priests for the first time since his election last year.
He received the six victims – two each from Ireland, Britain and Germany – at his residence after they attended a private morning Mass in the Vatican.
The Pope has vowed to punish clergy who have abused children, describing their actions as “satanic”.
The Church has been heavily criticised for failing to tackle abuse, following a series of scandals worldwide.
Some victims have also criticised Pope Francis for having failed to meet their representatives sooner.
The Pope’s predecessor, Pope Benedict, met abuse victims several times on trips outside Italy.
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