Pope to Chilean Authorities: Democracy and the ability to listen

Pope Francis apologizes to victims of clerical abuse in his address to members of the govenment, the diplomatic corps, and the civil authorities in Chile. He also told them they are a nation that has grown and thrived, but reminded them that it's also important not to forget those who suffer situations of injustice.

Democracy in action

But he noted that “each new generation must take up the struggles and attainments of past generations, while setting its own sights even higher.”

“Goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, said the Pope are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day.”

The Holy Father added that there was no room for complacency when many people still endure situations of injustice.

Be a nation that listens

Speaking to the authorities gathered Pope Francis underlined the importance of being a nation that listens to its people.

He went on the say that Chile needed to listen to the unemployed, to migrants, to its native people often forgotten, to its young people and to the elderly who, he said have much wisdom to impart.

The damage of child abuse

There was a round of applause when Pope Francis expressed his “pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the Church. I am one with my brother bishops, he said, for it is right to ask for forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again.”

Listen to the report