Pope censures ‘guilty’ Church officials over child abuse

Pope Francis says Church officials who covered up sexual abuse of children by priests are “guilty” of wrongdoing.

He said on Monday that abuse by priests was “nearly a sacrilege” and “those who have hidden (such acts) are guilty — including some bishops.”

The 78-year-old pontiff admitted to the church officials’ wrongdoings upon his return to the Vatican from the United States.

“Sexual abuse is everywhere,” the pontiff told reporters on his flight back to Rome. “But when a priest carries out abuse, it’s very serious because his calling is to help a child grow… towards the love of God,” he said