Pope Francis has been quoted as saying one in every 50 Catholic priests is a paedophile.
The pontiff reportedly said in an interview with an Italian newspaper La Repubblica that advisors had told him ‘paedophilia inside the church is at the level of two per cent.’
The Pope reportedly also told the newspaper that abuse of children was like ‘leprosy’ infecting the Church — and added that the ‘corruption of a child is the terrible and unclean thing imaginable’, the Daily Mail reports.
He also reportedly said: ‘The church is fighting for the eradication of the habit and for education that rehabilitates. But this leprosy is also present in our house.’
The Pope also reportedly vowed to “confront it with the severity it demands”.
The interview formed part of a series with founder of the La Repubblica and renowned athiest Eugenio Scalfari, News.com.au reports.
But a Vatican spokesman said the quotes in the newspaper did not reflect the pontiff’s exact words, the BBC reports.
The BBC’s David Willey adds that there is often a ‘studied ambiguity’ in Pope Francis’ statements. While the Pope wants to show a more compassionate attitude towards Church teaching than his predecessors, this can sometimes cause consternation among his media advisers, Willey says.
Top Comments
The Pope quotes approx. 8,000 clergy are accused paedophiles unless there's something else he's hiding... And WHY has the Pope REFUSED to hand over all Australian paedophile records and files held by the Vatican and handed over to the Australian Royal Commission - under the Subpoena... UNLESS they don't want to ACT against paedophilia within the Catholic ranks...
The Pope has probably only said the least he can get away with.
I hope this Pope is not acting as part of a public relations agenda and IS the "good guy" people want him to be.........and if he is, I hope those around him share his views and are able to keep him safe.
I'm not religious and I usually have a fair bit to criticize about church hierarchies.
Simple people with simple faith seem to have the best intentions though and even if I'm not a follower I share or appreciate some of their practices such as prayer, ritual, "do unto others" etc.
All religions need to face up to the fact that there are evil, cruel, manipulative people in their midst and hiding behind their walls. The protection of children should always have been the greatest priority - not the religion's "good name".