VATICAN CITY -- With 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis asked forgiveness for scandals that have occurred within the church recently.
"Before beginning my catechesis, I would like -- in the name of the Church -- to ask your forgiveness for the scandals which have occurred recently both in Rome and at the Vatican," the pope said. "I ask your forgiveness."
The pope's off-the-cuff remarks Oct. 14 followed a reading from St. Matthew's Gospel in which Jesus warns of scandalizing the "little ones."