Pope Francis has admitted his “pain and shame” over the sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy on a visit to Chile which has been overshadowed by the firebombing of nine churches – allegedly by activists claiming a high-level cover-up. Speaking in Santiago in the presence of the Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, legislators, diplomats and other officials, Francis asked for forgiveness.
“Here I feel bound to express my pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the church,” he said. “It is right to ask for forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/pope-francis-pain-and-shame-sexual-abuse-children
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/pope-francis-pain-and-shame-sexual-abuse-children