Pope Francis blasts ‘scandal’ of clergy abuse in Portugal

Pope Francis is visiting Portugal for the first World Youth Day Catholic festival (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis has blasted Portugal’s Catholic Church leaders for the “scandal” of clergy sex abuse.

The pope’s criticism came as he kicked off a trip to the European country, saying their actions had helped drive the faithful away and ordering members of the Catholic hierarchy to change their ways and treat victims better.