Pope in ‘pain and shame’ over church sex scandal

Pope Francis has finally said he deeply regrets Chilean priests’ involvement in a series of sex crimes against children.

Upon the start of his visit to Santiago, the capital of Chile, on Tuesday, the pontiff said he felt he was “bound to express my pain and shame,” some seven years after reports emerged that some Chilean pastors had committed sexual abuse against children in their care.

“I am one with my brother bishops, for it is right to ask forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again,” said Francis in his address to Chilean lawmakers, judges and other authorities at La Moneda palace.