Activists criticize the Pope for his handling of cases of sexual abuse by clergy

Pope Francis has not done enough to end clergy sexual abuse and its cover-up, activists and abuse survivors said Thursday, protesting ahead of the Vatican’s World Children’s Day festival.

The Roman Catholic Church has been rocked by sexual abuse scandals around the world. Francis has tried to impose standards, but his critics say more should have been done to root out violent clergy and help their many victims.

“We want to protect the young people who participate” in the festival, Matthias Katsch, co-founder of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA), said at a press conference at the ancient Roman fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica.

He noted that campaigners against abuse in the Church traveled to Rome in September to call for “zero tolerance” ahead of a major Vatican summit on the future of the Church, “but nothing has happened since then.”

Specifically, Katsch accused Francis of failing to punish cardinals and bishops “who hid sexual crimes.”

In an interview that aired this month on the CBS program “60 Minutes,” Francis reiterated his commitment to fighting abusers and their protectors.

“This cannot be tolerated. When it comes to an abusive religious man or woman, the full force of the law falls on him. In this aspect there has been great progress” said the pontiff.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.