After publishing a letter in April recognizing his errors in the handling of the Chilean sexual abuse crisis, Pope Francis began the month of May by meeting with three of the most prominent victims. The men were very clear in both their statements and demands.
JUAN CARLOS CRUZ
Abuse victim
“The pope asked for forgiveness in the name of the Universal Church. The Episcopal Conference of Chile doesn't know how to ask for forgiveness.”
JOSÉ ANDRÉS MURILLO
Abuse victim
“We ask the pope directly that he not falter with those who must be considered, not as guilty of a sin but of a crime and the deepest corruption found in society.”
May is also a special time for the Swiss Guard, which is tasked with protecting the pope and the Vatican. The Holy Father met with the 32 men due to be initiated into the ranks, who were accompanied by family members. Pope Francis gave them a welcoming address and reminded of the qualities they should demonstrate.
POPE FRANCIS
“Living the Catholic faith coherently; maintaining a friendship with Jesus and love for the Church; being joyful and diligent in the great as well as the small and humble daily tasks; courage and patience, generosity and solidarity with everyone.”
A few days later, the new guards were initiated in an intense ceremony.
The Holy Father also paid visits to two exemplary communities in Italy, Loppiano and Nomadelfia.
Loppiano is home to the Focolare Movement, which is built on universal brotherhood. There, the pope told them how to maintain spirituality in the face of modern challenges.
POPE FRANCIS
“In the relationships within the community, one must also always be sincere, open, frank, fearless and not lazy or hypocritical. No, open.”
In Nomadelfia, where people share everything, Pope Francis gave them some words of encouragement to continue their founder's mission.
POPE FRANCIS
“Facing the suffering of orphaned or marginalized children, Don Zeno understood the only language they understood was that of love.”
After speaking with Chilean abuse victims earlier in the month, the Holy Father summoned the country's bishops to the Vatican. Their three days of meetings with the pope produced a surprising outcome.
MSGR. JUAN IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ ERRÁZURIZ
Bishop of San Bernardo
“We want to announce that all the bishops who came to Rome have placed our positions in the hands of the Holy Father through a written letter, so he can freely decide the fate of each one of us.”
Pope Francis concluded the month by writing a letter to Chilean Catholics and announced he would send two special envoys back to the country to assist in the process of reparation and healing of victims of abuse.
