The Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon acknowledged today that the issue of child sexual abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church was the most difficult moment of his patriarchate, ensuring that everything is being done to ensure that this does not happen again.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the Easter celebrations in the Lisbon Cathedral, Manuel Clemente summed up his ten-year tenure at the helm of the Lisbon Patriarchate, admitting that the problem of child and youth abuse by priests and other members of the Catholic Church was one of the most difficult moments.
“In the Church and in Portuguese society, we are troubled by such tragic and negative developments.
Regarding the possibility that Pope Francis will receive some of the victims of sexual violence during his visit to Portugal on the occasion of World Youth Day, which will be held in Lisbon from 1 to 6 August, the Cardinal Patriarch indicated that this would be a decision. pontiff.
“We are very attentive to all this, providing all possible support to each of the 21 Portuguese dioceses and doing everything in our power to ensure that nothing happens again, that the victims are supported and that the conditions for treatment are different. children and youth,” he said.
About ten years at the head of the Patriarchate, Manuel Clemente said that it was “service, service and more service” connected with everyday life, as well as with some dynamisms, such as the 300th anniversary of the Patriarchate. which was very important and in which thousands of people participated.
“And now with all this around World Youth Day, which is also a school of militancy and service for these tens of thousands of young people who are collaborating not only from Portugal but from all over the world,” he stressed.
Manuel Clemente also drew attention to the work done by all public and charitable institutions of the Diocese of Lisbon, “which go through many difficulties in order to respond to all needs.”
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.