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Pope Francis to meet with sex abuse victims at the Vatican

The pontiff has announced a zero-tolerance policy for clergy members who commit abuse.

By Kate Stanton
Pope Francis arrives to lead an open-air mass in the Manger Square next the Nativity Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on May 25. 2014. The pope has invited Israel and Palestinian officials to the Vatican to pray for peace. UPI/Fadi Arouri/Pool
Pope Francis arrives to lead an open-air mass in the Manger Square next the Nativity Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on May 25. 2014. The pope has invited Israel and Palestinian officials to the Vatican to pray for peace. UPI/Fadi Arouri/Pool | License Photo

VATICAN CITY, May 26 (UPI) -- On the heels of his weekend visit to the Holy Land, Pope Francis told reporters on Monday that he planned to meet with victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests at the Vatican next month.

He also announced a "zero tolerance" policy for members of the clergy who commit over cover up abuse.

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"[Sex abuse] is an extremely serious problem...that will last the rest of one's life," the pope said.

Pope Francis, who said he would speak with six victims from Germany, the U.K. and Ireland, has yet to meet with any sex abuse victims since he was elected in 2013.

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