Commitment to fight abuse
International
Pope Francis made a “heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle” against the abuse of children in his final address at the Rome Summit on the Protection of Minors in the Church.
“For we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth: this is demanded by all the many victims hidden in families and in the various settings of our societies,” he told the heads of bishops’ conferences from around the world.
He reiterated his commitment that “the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes”.
“The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case (of abuse),” he said.
“The Church’s aim will be to hear, watch over, protect, and care for abused, exploited, and forgotten children, wherever they are.”
Delivering the homily at the final Mass, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said “a mission stretches before us – a mission demanding not just words but real concrete action”.
Archbishop Coleridge’s homily can be read in full at www.adelaide.catholic.org.au
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