During his General Audience, Pope Francis commented on the shocking report on sexual abuse committed by Catholic clergy in France over the past 70 years.
The report reveals that since 1950, of the 115,000 clergymen in France, between 2,900 and 3,200 abused about 216,000 minors.
These numbers covering 70 years would rise to 330,000 victims if they were to include lay people who worked in Church institutions and abused minors
'I would like to express to the victims my sadness and pain for the trauma they have suffered. And also my shame, our shame, my shame because of the Church's inability, for too long, to make them their primary concern. I assure you of my prayers.'
Besides asking victims for forgiveness, the Pope asked for prayers for this situation, which he called a “moment of shame,” and he asked for everyone's cooperation so that such a tragedy never again repeats itself.
'I express to the priests of France my closeness and paternal support in front of this trial, which is difficult but healthy, and I invite French Catholics to assume responsibility so that the Church can be a safe home for all. Thank you.'
The report also reveals that until the year 2000, the Church in France demonstrated cruel indifference toward victims.
The Pope addressed victims of abuse and thanked them for having the courage to denounce their abusers.
JMB
TR: CT
