'Sexual abuse sullies our witness' says Pope

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 5 - Sexual abuse perpetrated by members of the clergy undermines the Church's ability to witness to the love of God, Pope Francis said on Friday.
    "Wars, hunger and indifference to the suffering of others are terrible realities of our world, they are realities that cry out to Heaven," said the Pope during an audience with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
    "However, the crisis of sexual abuse is particularly serious for the Church because it undermines its ability to embrace in fullness the liberating presence of God and to witness to it," Francis added.
    "The inability to take proper action to stop this evil and to come to the aid of its victims has sullied our very witness to God's love," continued the Pope, adding that "the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and its mismanagement by church leaders has been one of the greatest challenges for the Church in our time".
    Francis recalled the "terrible sense of loss experienced by so many because of abuse", which can sometimes seem "too heavy to bear".
    Revised norms to prevent and counter sexual abuse against minors and vulnerable adults within the Church entered into force on April 30 as part of a drive by Pope Francis to crack-down on the phenomenon and related cover-ups.
    However, victims' groups say more needs to be done. (ANSA).