PHILADELPHIA (PA)
USA Today
[with video]
John Bacon and Aamer Madhani September 27, 2015
PHILADELPHIA — A much-anticipated pronouncement from Pope Francis on Sunday that clergy responsible for sex abuse will be “held accountable” drew disdain from victims advocacy groups but positive reviews from Vatican experts.
At a meeting with about 300 international bishops, Francis said he met privately Sunday with five adults who experienced sexual abuse by clergy, family members or teachers when they were minors. The pontiff promised “zealous vigilance” in protecting young people in the future.
“I remain overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm,” he added. “I am profoundly sorry. God weeps.”
David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said that years ago the church pretended that abuse and coverups were not happening. The church narrative now, he said, is to express regret for past behavior and pretend abuse is not still happening.
“Is a child anywhere on Earth safer now that a pope, for maybe the seventh or eighth time or ninth time, has briefly chatted with abuse victims? No,” Clohessy said after Francis remarks Sunday. “A smart public relations move. That’s what this meeting is. Nothing more.” …
John Thavis, a former Catholic News Service reporter and author of The Vatican Diaries, also said he was encouraged by the pope’s statement.
“The pope promises accountability, which has been the missing element in the Vatican’s approach to sexual abuse,” Thavis said. “He is delivering on this issue, too, having announced the establishment of a tribunal at the Vatican that will judge bishops who have failed to protect children.”
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