In a wide-ranging exclusive interview in Rome last month, the Pope said the church has “zero tolerance” to abuse, and that “a priest who is an abuser cannot remain a priest.”
The church’s response to sex abuse scandals has become one of the defining themes of Francis’ time as pope, with the pope telling CNN Portugal that every case of abuse within the church “hurts” him. Told.
On the topic, Francis said he doesn’t believe singleness played a role in causing abuse.
“I don’t deny abuse, even if it was just once.” [case], it’s huge. Because you, the priest, you, the nun, must take that boy, that girl to God and destroy their lives with this. it is destroying life. And they ask you questions.will it be that single [is to blame]? It’s not a matter of abstinence.”
“This is one thing about abuse. It’s destructive, it’s humanly diabolical,” he said. So it is the monster of the church, male or female, who is psychologically sick or evil and who uses his position for personal gratification,” he added. .
Criticism of war comments
His Holiness also revealed that he was in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He said he had met in the past with both Zelensky and his Russian Vladimir Putin when they visited him in Rome.
“I had dialogue with both [of them]Both visited here before the war. And I believe in dialogue we will always move forward,” the Pope said. animal. They are pure instinct. ”
Francis has been criticized for some of his comments about Russia’s war against Ukraine. He said he met with a “head of state” who was “very concerned about how NATO was working” before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned papal envoys to Ukraine to discuss Francis’ statement, saying it “unfairly” equates “aggressor and victim”.
The Pope, who has previously indicated his intention to travel to Kyiv and Moscow, told CNN Portugal that such visits are “up in the air”.
The Pope has never visited Moscow before. In 2001 Pope John Paul II visited Ukraine.
He said he was unable to travel at the moment due to knee problems, but said his presence in Ukraine was “strong”.
Source: www.cnn.com