Pope expresses ”shame” at scale of clergy abuse in France
PTI, Oct 6, 2021, 2:36 PM IST
Vatican City: Pope Francis expressed “shame” for himself and the Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday for the scale of child sexual abuse within the church in France and acknowledged failures in putting the needs of victims first.
The pope spoke during his regular audience at the Vatican about a report released Tuesday that estimated some 330,000 French children were abused by clergy and other church authority figures dating back to 1950.
“There is, unfortunately, a considerable number. I would like to express to the victims my sadness and pain for the trauma that they suffered,” Francis said. “It is also my shame, our shame, my shame, for the incapacity of the church for too long to put them at the center of its concerns.”
He called on all bishops and religious superiors to take all actions necessary “so similar dramas are not repeated.”
The pope also expressed his “closeness and paternal support” to French priests in the face of a “difficult test,” and called on French Catholics to “ensure that the church remains a safe house for all.”
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Biden administration official backs reform of UN in response to Musk’s comments on permanent UNSC seat for India
Russia initiates withdrawal of peacekeeping forces from Karabakh as Azerbaijan takes full control of the region
Unprecedented rainfall in Dubai: Social media flooded with visuals of submerged airport & streets
Israel’s Defense Innovations: From Iron Dome to Arrow 3
Heavy rains set off flash floods killing 33 people in Afghanistan
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Youth detained for Facebook threat to BJP MLA in Nashik
NE’s integration with rest of India happened under Modi govt: BJP chief Nadda
Congress spokesperson booked for alleged hate speech
BJP files complaint with EC against Sowmya Reddy, others for alleged violation of poll code
Siddaramaiah slams BJP candidate for visiting house of alleged police recruitment scam kingpin