Pope Declares 'Zero Tolerance' Sex Abuse Policy

Pope Francis plans to meet with sex abuse victims next month

Pope Francis announced on Monday that he will meet with a group of sex abuse victims at the Vatican. He declared that there will now be a 'zero tolerance' policy for any members of the clergy who sexually violate children. The pope went on to reveal that three bishops are under investigation by the Vatican for abuse of children (or for aiding in the systemic cover-up).

The pope has previously been criticized by victims of assault for not reaching out to them. He has spent time with those who have suffered, but not at the hands of the church. The pope plans to meet with six victims early next month and attend Mass with them.

''On this issue we must go forward, forward. Zero tolerance,'' Francis said to a group of reporters as he returned from his trip to Jordan. He called abuse of children an 'ugly' crime that betrays God, according to the Associated Press.

[AP]