Vatican Church authority has faced numerous challenges and allegations of child sex abuse by priests around the world and criticism over inadequate responses by bishops.
Pope Francis has asked for forgiveness for the "evil" damage to children caused by sexual abusers by the clergies. He made that statement while speaking on Friday, during a meeting with a Catholic children's non-governmental organisation, the Vatican Radio website reports.
Pope, during the meeting said he had felt compelled to "personally ask for forgiveness for the damage which some priests have done for having sexually abused the children. He said, although the number of priests who had committed abuses were "quite a few in number", but "obviously not compared to the number of all the priests. Saying that the Vatican will not take one step backward with regards to how the church will deal with this problem, and the sanctions that must be imposed," adding: "We have to be even stronger".
Pope Francis, last week in an interview, defended the Catholic Church, saying that no-one else has done more to tackle child sexual abuse. But the Church is the only one to have been attacked. this was as a result of a UN report that accused the Vatican of systematically placing the "preservation of the reputation of the Church and the alleged offender over the protection of child victims" - something the Church has strenuously denied.
Pope had Earlier this year strengthened Vatican laws on child abuse, broadening the definition of crimes against minors to include sexual abuse of children. Also while in office, his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI apologised to victims of child sex abuse, saying he was "truly sorry" for the "sinful and criminal actions" committed by priests.
Pope Francis, last week in an interview, defended the Catholic Church, saying that no-one else has done more to tackle child sexual abuse. But the Church is the only one to have been attacked. this was as a result of a UN report that accused the Vatican of systematically placing the "preservation of the reputation of the Church and the alleged offender over the protection of child victims" - something the Church has strenuously denied.
Pope had Earlier this year strengthened Vatican laws on child abuse, broadening the definition of crimes against minors to include sexual abuse of children. Also while in office, his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI apologised to victims of child sex abuse, saying he was "truly sorry" for the "sinful and criminal actions" committed by priests.
Vatican Radio reports that Pope Francis described the abuse as a "moral damage perpetrated by men of the Catholic Church", adding that the "appropriate sanctions" would be imposed. This is being described as his strongest statement on the issue so far.
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