Pope apologizes for scandals in Rome

October 14, 2015

Pope Francis apologized for recent scandals in Rome as he began his regular weekly public audience on October 14.

As he opened the audience, the Pope, speaking off-the-cuff, said: "Before I start my catechesis, I want to ask forgiveness, on behalf of the Church, for the scandals that have occurred recently in Rome and in the Vatican."

The Pontiff did not specify which "scandals" he had in mind. But several recent developments in Rome and at the Vatican have caused sensations:

• the announcement by a Polish priest, an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that he is an active homosexual with a lover;
• the resignation of Rome's Mayor Ignazio Marino, amid accusations of corruption; and
• the publication of a confidential letter sent by a group of cardinals to the Pope, expressing concern about the procedures of the Synod.

The release of the cardinals' letter prompted comparisons to the "Vatileaks" scandal that exposed Vatican infighting and led to  demands for reform of the Roman Curia.

 

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Further information:

• Pope asks forgiveness for the scandals that have rocked the Church (Vatican Radio)
• Pope begs forgiveness for "scandals" hitting Rome, Vatican (AP)