Pope Francis. (Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- In a letter to Catholics all around the world, Pope Francis begged for forgiveness, demanded action, and blasted leaders who were more concerned for their reputation than the safety of children.
His response comes after a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing alleged abuse of a thousand children by 300 priests.
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But Tim Lennon, President of the Survivors' Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP, says he wants to see the church do more to help survivors beyond simply penance and prayer.
"I would like to see action," said Lennon.
Lennon spoke to WBZ NewsRadio 1030, reacting to the Pope's letter.
"He could, with the stroke of a pen, say every diocese in the world has to open the books," Lennon said. "No more secret documents, no more hiding, no more complicity, no more cover-ups, no more ignoring. He could, with the stroke of a pen, one sentence, say, every accusation of child sex abuse must be reported to the police. He hasn't done that."
Crux editor John Allen spoke to WBZ Newsradio 1030 about the pope's letter.
"He wants to create a culture to prevent the possibility of such crimes being covered up and perpetuated," Allen said. "That is a welcome statement of purpose for many people, but he does not actually supply any new specifics."
Allen spoke to WBZ ahead of the first papal visit to Ireland in over 40 years. Sunday, Dublin Archbishop Dermot Martin said it would be "not enough just to say sorry."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz (@BerniceWBZ) reports