Pope Francis begs sex abuse victims for forgiveness

Pope Francis met with the sexual abuse victims on Monday and said that bishops involved will be held accountable.

17:25 08 July 2014

Pope Francis, who on Monday met with the victims of sexual abuse for the first time, has begged for forgiveness and pledged that bishops who helped cover up the crimes will be held accountable.

The Pope told the six victims who came from Britain, Ireland, and Germany that the church would “weep” and “make reparation” for their suffering.

During a homily at a Mass at his Vatican residence, the pope said: “Before God and his people, I express my sorrow for the sins and grave crimes of clerical sexual abuse committed against you, and I humbly ask forgiveness.” 

Meanwhile, David Clohessy, the director of U.S.-based Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, said that although they are glad with the pope’s declaration, they hope that his holiness can turn his promise into action.

“He hasn’t done it yet, not in Rome nor in Buenos Aires. Saying and doing are different things. The first is easy, the second is hard.”

Francis was accused of refusing to meet abuse victims in Argentina in 2013 before he was elected as pope.