Pope Francis asks clergy abuse victims for forgiveness

(AGI) Vatican City, July 7 - In his homily at Santa Marta onMonday, Pope Francis told three men and three women fromGermany, Ireland and Britain who were victims of sexualassaults by priests: "Before God and his people, I am deeplypained by the sins and serious crimes of sexual abuse committedby members of the clergy against you and I humbly ask for yourforgiveness." The Pope added: "The sins of sexual abuse againstminors by the clergy have a devastating effect on faith andhope in God." . .