Crux
By John L. Allen Jr.
Associate editor September 28, 2015
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Francis started his final day in the United States on Sunday by meeting sexual abuse victims and ended it by acknowledging that the problem is not just that Catholic priests have committed abuse, but that bishops have covered it up.
“Also those who have covered up these things are guilty,” he said, referring to the sexual exploitation of children.
“Some bishops covered this up, which is a very ugly thing,” the pope said.
During a 45-minute session with the media aboard the American Airlines flight that carried Francis back to Rome after his nine-day visit to Cuba and the United States, the pontiff also indirectly lent his support to US Christians who are refusing to provide services to same-sex couples.
The most celebrated case is that of a Kentucky county clerk who spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.
Conscientious objection, the pope said, is a “human right,” including for government officials.
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