Pope asks pardon for sex abuse by priests

http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Pope-asks-pardon-for-sex-abuse-by-priests-5394828.php



Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives to lead a Wednesday general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican April 2, 2014.

Pope asks pardon for sex abuse by priests
By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press | April 11, 2014 | Updated: April 11, 2014 7:50am

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis asked for forgiveness Friday from people who were sexually abused by priests, and vowed that there will be no going back in the church's fight to protect children.

Francis made the off-the-cuff remarks after coming under criticism from victims' advocacy groups for a perceived lack of attention to the problem and ongoing demands that he sanction bishops who covered up for pedophiles.

In his remarks to members of the International Catholic Child Bureau, a French Catholic network of organizations that protects children's rights, Francis said he felt "called to take it upon myself" and "ask forgiveness" for the evil that some priests had committed against children.

"The church is aware of this damage," he was quoted as saying by Vatican Radio. "We don't want to take a step back in dealing with this problem and the sanctions that must be imposed. On the contrary, I think we must be even stronger! You don't play around with the lives of children."