MAKING AMENDS

Pope Begs Forgiveness From Abuse Victims

“Sins of omission.”

Pope Francis begged for forgiveness in his first meeting with those who were abused at the hands of Catholic clergy. In his homily at the Vatican on Monday, the pope said “I humbly ask forgiveness” for the “sins and grave crimes of clerical sexual abuse committed against you.” He also acknowledged that the church hierarchy had failed victims, saying “I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of church leaders who did not respond adequately to reports of abuse made.” On Sunday night, Pope Francis privately met with the six European victims invited to the Vatican. It marked the first time victims were invited to meet with the pope on Vatican grounds.