Pope Francis says he feels compelled to ` ` personally ask for forgiveness '' for priest abuse . ` ` We will not take one step backward with regards to how we will deal with this problem '' ` The church is aware of this damage , it is personal , moral damage carried out by men of the church , and we will not take one step backward with regards to how we will deal with this problem , and the sanctions that must be imposed , '' Francis continued . Pope says the Catholic Church must act strongly because ` ` you can not interfere with children '' Advocates for victims of sexual abuse say the Church has not done enough to protect children .
Pope Francis says he feels compelled to ` ` personally ask for forgiveness '' for priest abuse . ` ` We will not take one step backward with regards to how we will deal with this problem '' Pope says the Catholic Church must act strongly because ` ` you can not interfere with children '' Advocates for victims of sexual abuse say the Church has not done enough to protect children .