What happened?
Pope Francis has called for an “all-out battle” against the sexual abuse of children, following a major Vatican meeting on the subject. More than 100 bishops attended the four-day summit.
The Pope began the meeting by promising “concrete, effective measures”. Bishops gave presentations on subjects such as collegiality and “the Church as field hospital”. Francis also issued 21 “reflection points” and said a handbook for bishops’ conferences was forthcoming.
What abuse survivors said
Peter Isley, a spokesman for the campaign group Ending Clergy Abuse, said the summit had failed to put in place “zero tolerance” rules. In an interview with the Guardian, Isley said: “If a priest has been determined , they should be removed from ministry. And if bishops have covered things up, they must be removed too.”
