Greg Burke comments on Pope Francis’ message to Curia

Greg Burke, the Director of the Holy See Press Office commented on Pope Francis’ Christmas message to the Roman Curia on Friday. He called it “a kind of preparation for the February meeting on the protection of minors”.

Pope firmly against abuse

Burke said Pope Francis “did not mince words” in speaking to the Curia about sex abuse.

“The Pope said abuser priests are part of a web of corruption... vicious wolves who devour innocent souls.”

Gratitude to journalists

Then Greg Burke pointed out that Pope Francis praised those journalists who have honestly and objectively uncovered “priest predators and have made the voices of victims heard”.

One case too many

Another point Burke made is that Pope Francis promises to take abuse cases seriously and will not cover them up. “In the face of these monstrosities”, the Pope said “even one case is too many”, Burke said.

God’s light shines on

Burke concluded saying that the Pope himself ended his message positively.

“God’s light continues to shine at Christmas, and the Church will emerge from these troubled times purified and more beautiful."