Small fire at seminary hosting pope quickly out

Philadelphia kept Pope Francis busy all day on Saturday, and his Sunday schedule shows no signs of letting up.

In its account of the meeting, the Vatican said the pope prayed with the group, listened to their stories and expressed pain and shame for their suffering, especially those abused by clergy or church workers.

“I regret it profoundly”.

“I agree to with the church’s… vigilance to protect minors, and I promise that all responsible will pay”, the pope added. Humbly we owe each of them our gratitude for their courage.

For those who were abused my a member of the clergy, I am deeply sorry for the times when you or your family spoke out, but you were not heard or believed. As we anticipate the Jubilee Year of Mercy, your presence, so generously given despite the anger and pain you have experienced, reveals the merciful heart of Christ.

In a speech to American bishops on Sunday morning at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Francis said there “are no longer close personal relationships” and that today’s culture “seems to encourage people not to bond with anything or anyone, not to trust”.

Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Lower Merion Saturday afternoon after saying mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia in the morning.

The pope said he has met with survivors of clerical sex abuse and has promised to hold accountable those responsible.