In foreword to memoir by survivor of clerical abuse, pope promises action but critics say he has not done enough to hold perpetrators to accountPope Francis has branded sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests a “monstrosity” and pledged action against perpetrators and bishops who protected them. The pope said the fate of abused children weighed on his soul, especially those who had taken their own lives. Thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse have testified to the inquiry, which was not limited to the Catholic church. Pope Francis’ efforts against sexual abuse since his election in 2013 have sputtered. In his foreword, Pope Francis praised Pittet’s courage in telling his story, saying he was deeply moved by his ability to forgive his abuser 44 years after he was first molested.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2017 01:03 UTC