Communication to journalists: Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (Commission indépendante sur les abus sexuels dans l’Église (CIASE)

In response to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, stated the following:

"The Holy Father was informed of the release of the report by the French bishops, whom he met in recent days during ad limina visits, and learned of its contents with sorrow.

His thoughts go first of all to the victims, with great sorrow, for their wounds, and gratitude, for their courage in coming forward, and to the Church of France, so that, aware this terrible reality, united to the suffering of the Lord for his most vulnerable children, she may undertake a path of redemption.

With his prayer, the Pope entrusts to the Lord the People of God in France, especially the victims, that he may give them comfort and consolation and that through justice the miracle of healing may come."