Pope Francis Begs For Forgiveness From Sex Abuse Victims

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July 7, 2014 3:46 PM

The Pope is doing his best in reconciling the good and the bad

Pope Francis has begged for forgiveness from victims of clergy sex abuse as a move to spread the power of reconciliation amongst men.

At his first meeting with six abused survivors at the Vatican City, Monday afternoon, the Pope reportedly expressed personal "sorrow" in his homily for the "sins and grave crimes" of clerical sex abuse against them.

"I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of church leaders who did not respond adequate to reports of abuse made by family members, as well as by abuse victims themselves," the Pope said.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church – noting that the abuse caused some victims to resort to addiction or even suicide - further pledged "not to tolerate harm done to an minor by any individual, whether a cleric or not," adding that bishops "will be held accountable" if found guilty.

Despite the Pope's sincerity, a German survivor advocacy spokesman, Norbert Denef, called the Monday's meeting, "nothing more than a PR event."

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