Pope, in Portugal, says Church needs 'humble purification' because of abuse

Pope Francis leads the Vespers with members of the clergy at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery) during his apostolic journey to Portugal on the occasion of the XXXVII World Youth Day, in Lisbon, Portugal, August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

LISBON (Reuters) - Pope Francis, speaking months after a damning report on sexual abuse in Portugal, on Wednesday said that the Church must submit itself to "humble and ongoing purification" and always listen to victims.

Francis made his remarks at a vespers service at a monastery in the capital of Portugal, where a report by a commission six months ago said at least 4,815 minors were sexually abused by clergy - mostly priests - over seven decades.