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Pope shocks Chile by accusing sex abuse victims of slander

After begging for forgiveness, pontiff becomes defensive

By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press
Published: January 18, 2018, 9:42pm
2 Photos
Pope Francis, center right, arrives Thursday to celebrate Mass on Lobito Beach in Iquique, Chile.
Pope Francis, center right, arrives Thursday to celebrate Mass on Lobito Beach in Iquique, Chile. Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press Photo Gallery

SANTIAGO, Chile — Pope Francis accused victims of Chile’s most notorious pedophile of slander Thursday, an astonishing end to a visit meant to help heal the wounds of a sex abuse scandal that has cost the Catholic Church its credibility in the country.

Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was complicit in covering up the sex crimes of the Rev.

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