From June 1-3, the pope will meet in Santa Marta with five priest victims of abuse in Chile, two relatives of victims and two other priests who are dedicated to helping the victims.
The Vatican statement explains the meeting was scheduled a month ago and the victims suffered 'abuses of power, conscience and sexuality.' In addition, it says these people 'represent all victims of clergy abuses in Chile, but similar initiatives might be repeated in the future.'
According to the Vatican, 'Pope Francis wants to show his closeness to the abused priests, accompany them in their pain and listen to their valuable views to improve the current preventive measures and fight against abuses in the Church.'
The meetings will be confidential and will begin the morning of Saturday, June 2 with a private Mass with the pope. In the afternoon they will meet as a group, and then alone with Pope Francis.
