Pope Francis on Thursday warned
Catholic clergy they must never try to cover up sexual abuse, as a new
Church child protection panel prepares to meet for the first time. In a
strongly-worded letter to the heads of national bishops' conferences and
religious orders, the pope demanded "close and complete" cooperation
with the watchdog he has established at the Vatican.
"Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children," he said. The
Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which will hold its
first full meeting on Friday, has been given a brief to drive reform on
an issue that has severely damaged the Church's authority and
reputation around the world.