Fifth and sixth sessions of the Synodal Assembly. During the press conference on Monday, it was explained that the topics are still many and varied.
However, there is one, which is contained in the Instrumentum Laboris, that the synod does not want to overlook: sexual abuse within the Church, an evil that is also damaging the relationship with young people.
The presence of Archbishop of Malta Charles Scicluna, special envoy of the pope for several investigations into sexual abuse, brought great expectation among journalists. He assured that the scandals have caused a lot of pain among the young people, in large part because they have been the victims.
MSGR. CHARLES SCICLUNA
Archbishop of Malta
“What would you say to a young person who has suffered the tragedy of abuse? I have little to say to them. I would rather cry with them as I have done many times. In the face of this tragedy, silence and weeping are the first response. However, there is also a great thirst for truth and justice, which is not incompatible with mercy, because we all need mercy.”
The Archbishop of Malta said one thing that young people do not understand is how the Church can say one thing and do the other. He referred to how the abuse crisis undermines what the Church preaches. However, he assures that from this situation the Church will be able to draw a lesson.
MSGR. CHARLES SCICLUNA
Archbishop of Malta
“I think it is a very important moment for us all, because certainly it is one of the fruits that is going to really make us humble. There is no other way to humility except through humiliation. It is a big humiliation and it is going to make us humble I hope.”
Monsignor Emmanuel Gobilliard, Auxiliary Bishop of Lyon also spoke at the press conference. He recently recorded a video with Pope Francis, during a pause in the synod sessions.