Pope Francis meets with clerical abuse victims


On July 7, 2014, Pope Francis met with six victims of abuse at the hands of clerics and asked forgiveness for the grave crimes committed and for the omission of the Church.

Six victims of sexual abuse committed by clerics participated in a mass with the Pope during which he asked forgiveness from the abuse victims. The formula of his demand of pardon was:

"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. I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of Church leaders who did not respond adequately to reports of abuse made by family members, as well as by abuse victims themselves. This led to even greater suffering on the part of those who were abused and it endangered other minors who were at risk”.

The Pope met with each of the victims for a half an hour and listened to their stories. He again proclaimed that there is no place in the Church for those who abuse others.

View the video here

 

 

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