This week, Pope Francis has taken a stand on the sexual abuse of minors by priests and bishops. He has called a historical first global meeting in Rome where more than 190 bishops and clerics will discuss a clear plan of action on how to protect and help the victims of clerical sexual abuse and bring priests to justice and hold bishops accountable. They will hopefully learn what direct action must be taken to end denial, cover-up and bring justice for victims by holding priests and bishops accountable for criminal acts against minors.
Pope Francis is facing this extremely important and sensitive issue. The meeting is an acknowledgment that the problem is a culture of criminality within the church where thousands of priests around the world have abused and are abusing children. They are getting away with it to the anger and fury of the public at large and especially among Catholics.