Watch CBS News

Victim Of Sexual Abuse Reacts To The Pope's Seminary Address

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pope Francis while speaking to bishops and archbishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Sunday morning addressed the churches responsibility with sex abuse within the Catholic Church.

"In my heart, the suffering of those youth that were sexually abused, and it continues to be on my mind. The people who had the responsibility to take care of these tender ones violated that trust and caused them great pain," Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis continued, "God weeps for the sexual abuse of children. These cannot be maintained in secret. I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and that all responsible will be held accountable."

FULL STORY: POPE FRANCIS COMMENTS AT SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

John Salveson, a victim of child sexual abuse now works with the Foundation to abolish child sexual abuse said there are some simple steps the Catholic Church can take on this issue.

"A simple thing is to identify the identity of those perpetrators," Salveson said. Salveson believes this is something Pope Francis could do.
"The only way abuse continues is through darkness," he said.

PHOTOS: Pope Francis Speaks At Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary 

Salveson said he is glad Pope Francis is talking about the issue and bringing the issue to the surface, but Salveson believes talking about the issue isn't enough.

"If you want to something to protect kids, the way is to reform the statute of limitations," Salveson said. "I think it is a nice sentiment, but the action that they have taken is a different incentive."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.