He excluded the initial punishments from the priesthood, but on the grounds of mercy, the Pope has decided to keep these pedophiles in the priesthood. The Associated Press reported. In particular, it has imposed on them "a life of penance and prayer, and a prohibition to publicly perform their activity."

Excesses, a conscious decision

Marie Collins, a former victim of sexual abuse, is a member of the Pontifical Advisory Council for the Protection of Minors, and sadly takes Francis’ decision. The Pope has said that paedophilia is a disease and, in the words of Collins, "they are not sick enough not to be aware of their actions. Those who commit abuse have made a conscious decision to do so."

The opinion of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which carries these matters, is that the clergy should be excluded from the priesthood and remember that the previous Pope, Benedict XVI.ak, rejected 800 priests, ignoring requests for mercy.