Priest abuse victims rally near Vatican

ROME, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Victims of sexual abuse by priests called on the Catholic Church to punish those who cover up the abuse and to do more to protect the children.

Hundreds of survivors of child sex abuse, some carrying signs reading "Justice," "Shame" and "Hands Off Children," demonstrated near the Vatican Sunday after being told they wouldn't be allowed in St. Peter's Square, Voice of America reported.

The "Reformation Day" protesters from around the world had a moment of silence and called for child sex abuse to be considered a crime against humanity.

The Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican's chief spokesman, was forced to leave after being jeered when he tried to speak with the protesters, VOA said.

Lombardi also issued a statement, calling sexual abuse a worldwide "scourge" that must be eliminated, CNN reported.

"I know you think that the Church should do more," the statement said. "I am convinced that the Church has done, and is doing a lot. Not only the Pope, with his words and examples, but many Church communities in various parts of the world."

Police allowed two demonstrators to enter St. Peter's Square and deliver letters from people who claim abuse by Catholic priests.

"This is the first time, the first time that a group of survivors this large has come together and spoken out and people have listened in Italy," said Survivors Voice co-founder Gary Bergeron of Boston, one of the event organizers. "That's success to me."

Investigations have been launched into abuse of children by priests in several European countries, and accusations of abuse have been lodged in the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, and other countries.