Pope Francis asks for forgiveness at Knock for church’s abuse in Ireland

KNOCK ARRIVAL Pope Francis greets the crowd gathered at Ireland West Airport, Knock.

Edwin McGreal
Knock

Pope Francis has asked for the ‘Lord’s forgiveness’ for the abuse committed by clergy from the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Speaking at Knock Shrine this morning Pope Francis said he had, moments before, prayed to Our Lady for victims of abuse.
“May Our Lady also look with mercy on all the suffering members of her Son’s family. In my prayer before her statue, I presented to her in particular all the victims of abuse of whatever kind committed by members of the Church in Ireland. None of us can fail to be moved by the stories of young people who suffered abuse, were robbed of their innocence and left scarred by painful memories. This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice. I beg the Lord’s forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in God’s family. I ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for the healing of the survivors and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur,” he said.
Pope Francis spoke before a huge crowd at Knock Shrine as part of the World Meeting of Families 2018. Wet weather did not deter many pilgrims but heavy traffic saw many people in a race against time to make it.
Pope Francis spoke of his joy at being in Knock.
“I thank God for this opportunity, in the context of the World Meeting of Families, to visit this Shrine, so dear to the Irish people. I thank Archbishop Neary and the Rector, Father Gibbons, for their warm welcome.
“In the Apparition Chapel, I lifted up to Our Lady’s loving intercession all the families of the world, and, in a special way, your families, the families of Ireland,” he said.
Pope Francis touched down at Ireland West Airport Knock just before 9.30am and Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin and Minister Michael Ring were among the first to greet him.
Pope Francis made his way to Knock Shrine in his Skoda Rapid and started his tour in a specially kitted out Popemobile at 10.10am. He toured through the crowds for ten minutes before going into the Apparition Chapel for silent prayer.
Pope Francis then delivered his address from the stage, followed by praying the Angelus in Latin.
Fr Richard Gibbons then presented the Pope with a mosaic of Our Lady.
At 10.50am, five minutes behind schedule, Pope Francis returned to his car and returned to Knock airport.


Full coverage of the Pope's visit to Knock, including a special supplement, in Tuesday’s Mayo News