The head of the Catholic Church worldwide, Pope Francis, today called on believers to give priority to victims of acts of violence perpetrated by some clergy instead of fearing the dignity and reputation of the church.
In a video message he issued today, Pope Francis said the church could survive if it was willing to accept the truth about such atrocities and seek forgiveness through noble means from those affected.
The leader said he was aware that confession was wrong, but stressed that it was important to find true forgiveness and to open a new way to spread love. Pope Francis' message was prepared for an international child protection conference in Poland attended by church representatives and experts from 20 countries around the world.
