Pope Francis vows to pursue Benedict XVI’s line on sex abuse

05 April, 2013 - Pope Francis on Friday confirmed he will continue the decisive line of action of Pope Benedict XVI regarding sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, released a brief statement in this regard after the Holy Father met Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, the president of the Congregation, in the morning. The two discussed various issues pertaining to the dicastery, and the Holy Father recommended in particular that the Congregation, continue the line desired by Benedict XVI, of decisive action regarding cases of sexual abuse. This would be done primarily by promoting measures for child protection, helping the many who in the past have suffered such violence, duly prosecuting the guilty, and ensuring the commitment of Bishops' Conferences in formulating and implementing necessary directives in this area as a witness to the Church and its credibility. The Holy Father assured that the victims of abuse and their suffering are especially present in his thoughts and prayers.