Pope Francis’ ended his journey to the US with a speech of gratitude.
Advertisement
This Philadelphia Mass attended by almost a million marked the end of Pope Francis’s 10-day visit to the United States.
Questioned about peace talks in Colombia, the pope said he was pleased when he heard that a tentative agreement had been reached last week between the government and the rebel group known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The people of the United States love the sisters. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill were among those at the airport. From the window of his aircraft, the Pope gave a wave and a cheery smile.
United States dioceses have made huge compensation payouts to victims.
“If Pope Francis wishes to take effective action to back up his words he could take these steps immediately”.
Pope Francis met Sunday with victims of a child sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Roman Catholic Church, saying that “God weeps” for the victims before returning to Rome.
Pope Francis told journalists on board the papal plane he is not judgmental of victims or the families of molested children who struggle to forgive the abuser.
According to The Guardian, the Sunday mass drew thousands of people to the city.
The 78-year-old pontiff addressed the crowd in his native Spanish after his private meeting with the five sexual abuse survivors. He said, “This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities”. I gained a deeper appreciation for the sacraments of the church and the grace they impart. But they have been days of great grace for me and, I pray, for you too.
In 2002, reports surfaced about priests in the USA who had abused children sexually and covered up their crimes.
Sullivan said he hoped that those who went to Philadelphia and were in the presence of Pope Francis were given “a good taste and a memory and a feeling of what we are”, and will hold onto that memory and remember it when tough times come. I am profoundly sorry.
He said on Monday that abuse by priests was “nearly a sacrilege” and “those who have hidden (such acts) are guilty – including a few bishops“.
Advertisement
The pope also said he would have an interest in visiting China – a trip that would touch on highly sensitive religious issues for the Vatican, which has opposed Beijing’s control over church affairs.
