UCA News
Contribute

Pope cautions over 'interpretation' of French clergy abuse report

A landmark inquiry overseen by an independent commission confirmed extensive sexual abuse of minors by priests
Pope cautions over 'interpretation' of French clergy abuse report

Pope Francis holds the microphone for a journalist to speak as he gives a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back to Rome after visiting Cyprus and Greece on Dec. 6. (Photo: AFP/Vatican Media)

Published: December 07, 2021 09:33 AM GMT
Updated: December 07, 2021 09:39 AM GMT

Pope Francis has urged caution in the "interpretation" of a damning report into child sexual abuse by French Catholic clergy, saying a "historical situation" must be viewed in context.

A landmark inquiry overseen by an independent commission confirmed in October extensive sexual abuse of minors by priests in France dating from the 1950s to 2020.

"When we do this kind of study, we must be attentive to the interpretation we make of it," the 84-year-old pontiff told reporters on board his flight back from a trip to Greece.

"Abuse 100 years ago, 70 years ago, was brutality. But the way it was experienced is not the same as today," he said.

"For example, in the case of abuse in the church, the attitude was to cover it up — an attitude that unfortunately still exists today in a large number of families."

He added that the "historical situation" must be interpreted by the standards of the time.

When the gossip grows, grows, grows and takes away the reputation of a person, that man will not be able to govern ... and that is an injustice

The pope, who after the publication of the report expressed his "shame", revealed he had not read it himself but would discuss it with French bishops when they visited him later this month.

Dealing with the avalanche of revelations about sexual abuse by priests was one of the biggest challenges that Francis faced when he was elected pope in 2013.

Francois Devaux, head of a victims' association in France, expressed incredulity at the pope's "distressing" lack of interest in the French inquiry.

"This will show everyone that the pope is at the heart of the problem," Devaux told AFP, labelling his comments as "ignorance, stupidity and denial".

The pope also condemned the "injustice" of the recent resignation of Michel Aupetit, the archbishop of Paris. Aupetit, 70, quit following media reports of an intimate relationship with a woman, which he had categorically denied.

A diocese spokeswoman said at the time that "he had ambiguous behaviour with a person he was very close to", adding that it was "not a loving relationship", nor sexual.

"When the gossip grows, grows, grows and takes away the reputation of a person, that man will not be able to govern ... and that is an injustice," Francis said.

"This is why I accepted Aupetit's resignation, not on the altar of truth, but on the altar of hypocrisy. I ask myself, what did Aupetit do that was so serious he had to resign? If we don't know the accusation, we cannot condemn," the pope added, urging journalists to investigate.

He said Aupetit had been condemned by "public opinion, rumors. But what did he do? We know nothing".

However, the pope referenced a breach of the sixth commandment — a ban on adultery — saying it was "not total, but little caresses and massages he gave to his secretary".

"That is a sin. But it is not the most serious because sins of the flesh are not the most serious," he said.

He added: "Aupetit is a sinner. As I am, as was Peter, the bishop on whom Christ founded his Church."

In a statement last week, when the pope accepted his offer, Aupetit said he wanted to "protect the diocese from the division that always provokes suspicion and the loss of confidence".

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia