Pope Francis has apologized for suggesting that those who experience sexual abuse at the hands of priests should show "proof" of their accusations.
According to Reuters, Francis told reporters on board the papal plane Sunday his comments "wounded many people who were abused."
As we previously reported, while visiting Chile last week, the pope asked for forgiveness from victims of a yearslong sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. But on his last day in the country, he accused some of the victims of slander.
Francis was defending Bishop Juan Barros Madrid. Accusers say Barros was complicit in covering up the crimes of a Chilean priest.
Francis said last week that, until he sees hard evidence implicating Barros, the accusations are all slander. During his remarks Sunday, the pope reiterated his belief that Barros is innocent.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
