Francis focused for the second time today during his visit to Chile on the abuse scandal that has rocked the Chilean church. “I know the pain resulting from cases of abuse of minors, and I am attentive to what you are doing to respond to this great and painful evil,” he said.

“It is right to ask for forgiveness,” the pope said, “and make every effort to support the victims.”

The march’s rallying call last January became even more poignant in the year that followed.

Some of Karadima's victims say Barros and other Karadima-trained bishops witnessed and tolerated Karadima's abuse

The Vatican said Francis had followed the saga of the Sodalitium of Christian Life for years and was “particularly concerned about the seriousness of information about the internal regime, the training and financial management.”