The Pope, 81, is on the first papal visit to Ireland in 39 years, one which has been full of painful reminders of his church’s disgraceful history in the country.
Speaking today at the Marian shrine in Knock, Co Mayo Pope Francis told crowds that historic abuses by the Catholic Church were an “open wound” in Ireland.
Pope Francis said: “This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice.
“I beg the Lord’s forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in God’s family.
“I ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for the healing of the survivors and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur.”
Pope France said no one could fail to be moved by stories of young abuse victims who were “robbed of their innocence”.
Hundreds of people had arrived as early as 6am in Knock to hear the Pope speak on the second day of his visit, many of them wearing waterproof ponchos and holding umbrellas.
The Pope was speaking ahead of a Mass he will hold later in the day in Phoenix Park in Dublin where half a million people are expected to attend.
Some protests have been held by groups representing survivors of abuse, the LGBT+ community, and women’s groups.
Margaret McGuckin, a survivor of historic child abuse, organised a protest near Dublin Castle.
She had spent years in Nazareth House children’s home, where nuns abused hundreds of children.
Ms McGuckin said: “The Pope now needs to stand up to the plate and do something for the survivors. We need redress, we need the church held to account.”
“We want the bishops, Christian Brothers, nuns and anyone else who was involved in the abuse of children or covering up the abuse of children brought before the courts.”
On Saturday, the Pope went to meet a group of survivors who had been abused by church members and prayed for them at a candle perpetually lit in tribute to victims of abuse at Dublin cathedral.