POPE FRANCIS IMPLORED bishops not to cover up the sexual abuse of children, during an open-air Mass on Sunday capping a three-day visit to Belgium, which is still struggling with the legacy of past scandals.
Gathered in bright morning sunshine, about 40,000 faithful, some waving Belgian and Vatican flags, packed the King Baudouin stadium north of the capital to hear the 87-year-old pontiff.
“There is no place for abuse, there is no place for covering up abuse,” Francis told the Church during a homily.
“I ask everyone not to cover up abuse, I ask the bishops not to cover up abuse, to condemn the abusers and help them heal themselves of this disease of abuse.”
During his stay, the pontiff was pressed by Belgian authorities and victims’ advocates on the Catholic Church’s handling of child sexual abuse, which was put back on the front pages by a hard-hitting documentary last …