POPE FRANCIS SCHEDULES ANOTHER MEETING WITH VICTIMS OF CHILEAN CLERICAL SEX ABUSE

VATICAN, Rome – Pope Francis has scheduled another meeting with victims of Chilean clerical sex abuse. The meeting is scheduled to hold at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican City from June 1 to June 3, the CNA has said.

The Pope will be receiving a group of 9 victims, among them are five priests who were victims of abuse of power, conscience, and sexuality. Already, two priests have been assisting the victims; and two lay people. Most of those coming were part of the investigation carried out by Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Spanish Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu but the scale of abuse was covered up by the clerical hierarchy in Chile.

“With this new meeting, scheduled a month ago, Pope Francis wants to demonstrate his closeness to abused priests, to accompany them in their pain and to listen to their valuable views to improve the current preventive measures and the fight against abuses in the Church,” the Holy See press office said.

“These priests and lay people represent all the victims of abuses by clerics in Chile, but it is not ruled out that similar initiatives may be repeated in the future.”

The visit will include various meetings “which will take place in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality.” Pope Francis will say Mass for the group June 2, after which there will be a group meeting, followed by individual conversations.

“The Holy Father continues to ask the faithful of Chile – and especially the faithful of the parishes where these priests carry out their pastoral ministry – to accompany them with prayer and solidarity during these days”, the press office said.

Already, bishops of the Chilean church have resigned enmass awaiting response from Pope.