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Pope Francis speaks out against 'climbers' in the Vatican hierarchy

Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican March 31, 2013. UPI/Stefano Spaziani
Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican March 31, 2013. UPI/Stefano Spaziani | License Photo

VATICAN CITY, April 22 (UPI) -- Pope Francis said Monday there are "climbers" in the Catholic Church hierarchy who are "stealing the glory away from Jesus."

During a mass at the Vatican, the pontiff also warned against following a "shop-like" religion, ANSA reported.

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The pope warned of "climbers who, voluntarily or involuntarily, pretend they are seeking for their own self" but who are really "burglars and thieves" seeking their own glorification by "stealing the glory away from Jesus," Agencia Giornalistica Italia reported.

Francis, who was elected March 13, has named a panel to advise on overhauling the church's administrative branch known as the Curia.

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