PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Washington Post
By Emma Brown,, Julie Zauzmer and Pam Constable September 27
PHILADELPHIA — On the final day of his visit to the United States, Pope Francis told a gathering of bishops that he has met with victims of clergy sexual abuse.
“God weeps for sexual abuse of children,” Francis said. “I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and that all responsible will be held accountable.”
His remarks came Sunday morning at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, hours before he is scheduled to celebrate an outdoor Mass before a crowd that could swell into the hundreds of thousands.
The afternoon Mass is the climax of a historic six-day journey to Washington, New York and Philadelphia that has riveted Americans’ attention, giving Francis a broad audience for his messages about serving the poor, bolstering families, caring for the environment and welcoming newcomers to the country.
“Viva, Papa!” jubilant crowds have shouted everywhere the Argentine pope has gone. “Pray for me” has been his frequent refrain.
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