Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned
people who abuse children and those who are in any way complicit
with mistreatment of minors.
"We ask for the grace to rediscover the important place that
every child occupies in the heart of God, so as not to be
complicit in the abuses that are perpetrated against them, but
to condemn them firmly," Francis said during his weekly general
audience.
"Children hold a privileged place in God's heart and anyone who
harms them will have to answer for it before Him.
"Let's think about how many children die due to hunger,
catastrophes, diseases and wars.
"Following the example of Jesus, Christians should never allow
children to be abused, hurt or abandoned.
"We must prevent and strongly condemn any abuse they may
suffer".
Pope Francis set up the Pontifical Commission for the Protection
of Minors in December 2014 following widespread reports of
sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and cover-ups.
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