Pope Francis is expected to meet for the first time victims of clerical sex abuse over the next few days.
Six individuals who have suffered from such abuse by priests will reportedly meet the Holy Father at his St. Martha residence, after which they will join him for Mass.
Some reports say the Pope will meet with them on Monday, but this has not been confirmed by the Vatican which has said “no formal statement will be made until after that meeting has taken place.”
“It is important that we respect the delicate nature of such a meeting and the dignity and privacy of those involved,” said Vatican spokesman Fr. Thomas Rosica.
The Pope first mentioned he would be meeting the victims, thought to be from Britain, the United States, Germany and Ireland, during a press conference on his return from the Holy Land at the end of May.
