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Pope: Zero tolerance for clergy who abuse children

Pope Francis talks to reporters aboard the papal flight on his way back to the Vatican from Jerusalem. Credit: Reuters

Pope Francis has branded sexual abuse of children by priests an ugly crime comparable to a "satanic Mass" and said he would show zero tolerance for anyone in the Catholic Church who abused children, including bishops.

Speaking to reporters on the plane taking him back from a visit to the Middle East, the pope also announced that he would have his first meeting with a group of abuse victims at the Vatican early next month.

Speaking to reporters on the plane taking him back from a visit to the Middle East, the pope also announced that he would have his first meeting with a group of abuse victims at the Vatican early next month.