Pope Francis asked for forgiveness over scandals that have rocked the Vatican recently.
Ahead of his general address to the public at St Peter's Square on Wednesday, Pope Francis begged forgiveness for scandals that have shaken Rome and the Vatican.
Although the Pontiff did not specify exactly which incidents he was referring to, it is speculated to be that of Monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa, a high-ranking priest who announced he is gay and in a relationship with a layman. Monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa has since then been removed from office, although it is understood that he has not yet been defrocked. Why the Polish clergyman's public statement had an appalling effect was the timing – it came when the Synod on the Family was in progress at the Vatican, attended by 270 bishops from around the world as they debate challenges facing families today.
Some say the request for forgiveness could have been referring to a letter signed by 13 cardinals and addressed to His Holiness, which requested him to stand by the Church's traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman, even as progressive leaders are reported to be encouraging an overhaul on the way homosexuals are treated by the Roman Catholic Church.
“Vi chiedo perdono” -Pope Francis[/tweetthis]
Since the Pope also mentioned Rome, it is possible that the series may also include the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Ignazio Marino, who served as the Mayor of Rome. The left-wing Marino is an open supporter of gay marriage and the pontiff had noted that he was only masquerading as a Catholic. With the Church's jubilee year commencing in December, the Vatican depending on the city administration to take care of the millions of pilgrims who are expected to take part, his departure leaves behind an administrative void that may have an effect on public works.
BIG NEWS: Pope asks for forgiveness for Vatican Scandals during recent
days. What scandals are those then? #synod15 pic.twitter.com/8UPN9TK0ID— Nick Donnelly (@ProtecttheFaith) October 14, 2015
Another possible scandal, which may be even more in connection with Rome, could be the parishioners of the Santa Teresa d'Avila church in the city writing to higher Church officials about a friar indulging in homosexual activities, taking advantage of homeless men in a neighboring park that was notorious for being visited by male prostitutes. They had furnished evidence to support their claims, but the clergyman was only transferred out instead being subject to disciplinary action.