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Pope in appeal for forgiveness over scandals

Pope Francis with some of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from the 2010 mining accident as they visit the Vatican on Wednesday. Picture by Gregorio Borgia/AP
Pope Francis with some of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from the 2010 mining accident as they visit the Vatican on Wednesday. Picture by Gregorio Borgia/AP Pope Francis with some of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from the 2010 mining accident as they visit the Vatican on Wednesday. Picture by Gregorio Borgia/AP
By Staff Reporter

POPE Francis is asking forgiveness for recent scandals that have hit Rome and the Vatican.

The pope did not cite specific examples in his off-the-cuff request for pardon at the start of his general audience.

But the past week has seen its fair share of problems: on the eve of Francis's big meeting on the family, a Vatican monsignor came out as gay.

Then Rome's mayor resigned amid scandal and criticism by the church.

And recently, a leaked letter revealed grave concerns by a dozen cardinals about the way Francis's synod was being run.

Pope Francis said: "Before beginning the catechesis I want, in the name of the church, to ask forgiveness for the scandals which recently have hit Rome and the Vatican. I ask forgiveness."