Pope: Bishops who covered up for abuse guilty of wrongdoing
[at mid point in article]
On Sunday, Francis directed his attention to the victims of abuse themselves, meeting with five survivors, including people who had been molested not only by priests but also abused by family members or educators. He apologized to them that often their accusations weren't taken seriously, and promised to hold bishops accountable.
Francis said he understands how a victim or a relative of a victim could refuse to forgive the priest who abused.
"I pray for them, and I don't judge them," Francis said.
He recalled that in his previous meeting with survivors of sex abuse, in July 2014, one told him that her mother had lost her faith and died an atheist after learning that a priest had violated her child.
"I understand this woman. I understand, and God who is better than me understands," Francis said. "And I am sure that God received this woman. Because what was groped and destroyed was her flesh, the flesh of her daughter. I understand. I cannot judge someone who cannot forgive."