Pope Francis on Monday unambiguously said Church officials who covered up sexual abuse “are guilty“ of wrongdoing, as he returned home after a triumphant trip to the United States where he held emotional talks with child abuse survivors.
In one of his strongest comments to date on a scandal that has dogged the Church for decades, Francis said abuse by priests was “nearly a sacrilege“ and “those who have hidden (such acts) are guilty -including some bishops.“
“Sexual abuse is everywhere,“ the pontiff said on his flight back to Rome. “But when a priest carries out abuse, it's very serious because his calling is to help a child grow... towards the love of God.“ He said he did not judge those who could not find it in their hearts to forgi ve their perpetrators.
Govt staff can say no to gay union'
Pope Francis said on Monday government officials have a “human right“ to refuse to discharge a duty, such as issuing marriage licenses to homosexuals, if they feel it violates their conscience. “Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure as it is a right,“ he said. REUTERS
