The pope has concluded the Vatican Summit against abuses by calling for a mobilization of the Catholic Church to put an end to these crimes.
POPE FRANCIS
'I make a heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle against the abuse of minors both sexually and in other areas, on the part of all authorities and individuals, for we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth.'
Pope Francis ended the Summit with an eight point strategy inspired by the guidance of the World Health Organization campaign against child violence.
He first reminded bishops to put aside the idea that protecting the good name of the Church means covering up abuses.
POPE FRANCIS
“Consequently, a change of mentality is needed to combat a defensive and reactive approach to protecting the institution; and to pursue, wholeheartedly and decisively, the good of the community by giving priority to the victims of abuse in every sense.”
Other measures included are not covering up abuses, handing over the perpetrators to justice, repairing the harm done; and improving the selection and preparation of candidates for the priesthood.
POPE FRANCIS
“(These parameters) serve as rules and not simply indications. No abuse should ever be covered up (as was often the case in the past) or not taken seriously sufficiently, since the covering up of abuses favors the spread of evil and adds a further level of scandal.”
During the pope's intense speech, he compared abuses with human sacrifices. He also lamented the spread of this phenomenon in the domestic, educational and sporting spheres. The pope also said this issue is even more serious in the Church because it contradicts its moral authority and ethical credibility.
