Pope Calls Abuse Victim, Asks for Forgiveness "in the Name of the Church"

Buenos Aires Herald
November 18, 2014

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/175037/pope-calls-abuse-victim-asks-for-forgiveness-in-the-name-of-the-church

A few days ago, a young man from Granada, Spain whose real identity remains unidentified, wrote a letter to the pontiff telling him he had been sexually abused by priests. His case got media attention because Daniel – a pseudonym to preserve his real name – on Sunday heard his cell phone rang. It was Pope Francis personally calling him to ask him for forgiveness in the name of the Roman Catholic Church.

Last week, Daniel wrote Francis a five-letter page in which he described in detail everything he went through during his childhood and adolescence.

After reading the letter, the Argentine pope decided to call him.

“I could do nothing else but to feel moved and feel an immense sorrow while reading your story. I want to ask you for forgiveness in the name of all the Church of Christ. Forgive us for this too serious sin and too serious crime you have suffered. Forgive us, my child, for the sorrow that was caused you and for so much you must have suffered,” Francis was quoted as telling Daniel by the Religion Digital newswebsite.

“These wounds make the Church feel completly resentful. You have my full support and the support of the whole Church,” the pontiff reportedly said adding that he was thanking God for Daniel “to keep his faith and continue in the Church.”

Sources close to the story also said Francis asked Daniel to pray for him.

“Just as I will do, without doubt, for you, your family and the rest of the victims of this serious crime committed by priests. I send you my blessing and the complete support of the Church.”

This is not the first time ex Buenos Aires City archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio takes responsibility for the abuse scandal hitting Catholic priests. On April 11, the pope asked for forgiveness in the name of the Church, committing himself “to give no step back” in the battle against sexual crimes.