Pope Speaks Out Against Acceptance of Sexual Abuse Silence

Pope Francis addressed several critical issues in Italy during two separate audiences held on Saturday. First, he spoke to representatives of the diocesan listening centers of the Italian Episcopal Conference about abuse within the ecclesial community. He emphasized the importance of pursuing truth and justice, even in cases that are not considered crimes by state law but are considered crimes by canonical legislation. The Pope also stressed the importance of prosecuting those who commit such crimes, especially in ecclesiastical contexts, and called for a profound personal conversion and humble request for forgiveness from the victims by those who commit these crimes.

In a second audience with Italian otolaryngologists and paediatricians, Pope Francis expressed concern about the health situation in Italy, which he described as going through a new critical phase. He highlighted the constant shortage of personnel and its impact on patients and doctors and stressed the importance of preserving the health system as a popular system of service to the people, without falling into the efficiency idea.

The Pope also raised the issue of falling birth rates in Italy and called for creating favorable conditions for young people to have more confidence and rediscover joy in parenthood. He expressed concern that people today prefer dogs over children and emphasized the importance of reversing this trend.

Pope Francis’ words underscored both urgent action against abuse within the ecclesial community and efforts to improve healthcare services in Italy while encouraging families to grow larger. His call to action on these important issues highlights