POPE IN IRELAND
Pope Francis apology overshadowed by claims he turned a blind eye
The pope begged for forgiveness from Ireland, but refused to answer allegations about his own role
Dublin/Knock, Ireland — Pope Francis on Sunday asked for forgiveness for the "scandal and betrayal" felt by victims of sexual exploitation by Catholic clergy as he toured Ireland, where years of abuse scandals have shattered the church’s former dominant role in society. On the first papal visit to Ireland in four decades, Francis met eight victims of clerical, religious and institutional abuse on Saturday and said he would seek a greater commitment to eliminating this "scourge". But he declined to comment on a letter by a former Vatican official alleging that he had ignored sexual abuse claims against US cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was forced to resign last month. “I will not say a word about that. I think that the communique speaks for itself,” the pontiff said when questioned by journalists on his plane, flying back to Rome after his visit to Ireland. “Read the communique attentively and make your own judgement,” he said. “ You have sufficient journalistic capacity to draw co...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.