Pope Francis Seeks Forgiveness For Recent Scandals Surrounding Rome And Vatican

Pope Francis sought forgiveness Wednesday for a recent spate of scandals that have hit Rome and the Vatican, the Associated Press (AP) reported Thursday. The pontiff, however, did not name a specific scandal, according to AP.

Over the past week, the Vatican has been faced with a number of contentious incidents. Last Saturday, Vatican monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa came out as gay on the eve of Francis’ meeting on family issues. Hours later, he was fired from his job. On Thursday last week, Rome’s mayor Ignazio Marino resigned amid an ongoing scandal over the misuse of city expenses. And, in another recent event, a group of conservative cardinals wrote to the pope and expressed concerns about "a synod designed to address a vital pastoral matter -- reinforcing the dignity of marriage and family -- may become dominated by the theological/doctrinal issue of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried.”

Francis addressed a crowd of thousands in St. Peter’s Square Wednesday and said: “Before I begin the catechesis I would like in the name of the church to ask your forgiveness for the scandals which have recently fallen on Rome and the Vatican. I ask your forgiveness.”

"Jesus is a realist and he says that it is inevitable that scandal happens, but woe to the man who causes such scandals," the 78-year-old said, according to AP.