Victims' Groups: Pope Francis's Apology Isn't Enough

Source: The Wire

Although Pope Francis is winning widespread praise today for his strong statement against clergy abuse and request for "forgiveness," some victims' advocates and watchdog groups greeted the pontiff's remarks with caution. On Monday, a clergy abuse whistleblower group called Bishop Accountability said Pope Francis's strong criticism of the clergy who helped to cover up the scandal was "overdue." The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests — a well-known victims' advocacy group that is often critical of the Vatican — said in a statement emailed to The Wire that "no child on earth is safer today because of this meeting." Many groups are calling on the Pope to enact reforms, not ask for forgiveness.

SNAP president Barbara Blaine demanded that "Francis must take decisive action right now" to address the scandal more directly. She also applauded the six victims who met with Francis today "for having the strength to attend this meeting."

The Pope says the church should "make reparations" to victims. That's secondary. Stopping abuse and protecting children comes first. And sadly, no child on earth is safer today because of this meeting.

With or without church officials, abuse victims can heal themselves. But only with church officials' help can children protect themselves from child molesting clerics. That's where the Pope must focus. And that's where he's refusing to act.