Pope Francis broadened his warnings over the church’s sex abuse scandals on Monday, saying that clergy and others who helped cover up wrongdoing are also guilty in the eyes of the Vatican.
The pope also indirectly added his voice to U.S. showdowns over religious freedom — only hours after wrapping up his three-city visit — by expressing strong backing for those who take a stand for their spiritual views.
Francis made no specific references, but his stance is certain to be perceived as a response to ongoing battles over refusals to obey laws permitting same-sex marriage.
In wide-ranging comments during his flight back to Rome, Francis shifted from the serious to the sublime: shrugging off his celebrity, raising interest in a possible groundbreaking trip to China and reflecting on the huge outpouring of support during his first visit to the United States.
“I was surprised by the people’s warmth,” he told journalists aboard the papal plane. “They were so friendly, it was beautiful.”
During the visit, Francis met with abuse victims and issued an apparent message of consolation to American bishops, noting their “courage” in confronting the scandals.
But the latest statement suggests that the Vatican could widen the scope of its investigations and punishments as the Catholic Church faces pressure for greater accountability at all levels. In June, Francis approved a special Vatican tribunal to examine bishops accused of covering up abuse allegations or failing to act.
“Those who covered this up are guilty,” he said, in his first such statement. “There are even some bishops who covered this up. It’s something horrible.”
Francis also appeared to delve deeper into U.S. disputes by describing conscientious objection as a fundamental “right.”
He did not cite any case, but the comments are likely to be interpreted as touching on the case of Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“And if a person doesn’t allow an objection of conscience, they’re denying a right,” Francis said.
Moments after landing in Rome, the pope posted a Twitter message expressing “heartfelt thanks” to the American people.
“In Washington, it was a warm welcome but a bit more formal,” Francis told journalists. He described New York using the Italian phrase “stra limitata” — a superlative meaning “beyond limits.”
“In Philadelphia, very expressive. Different ways but the same welcome,” he said.
Asked about his “star” power, Francis acknowledged that he can command the world’s attention but that celebrity has its limits.
“Yes, in the media this is happening, but there’s another truth,” he said. “How many stars have we seen that go out and fall? It is a fleeting thing.”
He added, however, that being a “servant” of the faith “is something that doesn’t pass.”
The pope also expressed an interest in visiting China — a trip that would touch on highly sensitive religious issues for the Vatican, which has opposed Beijing’s control over church affairs.
“China is a great nation that offers the world a great culture, so many good things,” he said. “I said once on the plane when were flying over China when we were coming back from Korea that I would very much, like so much, to go to China.”
Despite decades of international papal travel, China and Russia remain two major countries that have not hosted a pontiff.
Turning back to Europe, Francis criticized the attempts of countries such as Hungary to impose border controls and barriers seeking to block the wave of refugees and others flooding into the continent.
“You know how walls finish up?” Francis asked. “All walls collapse — today, tomorrow or after 100 years. Walls are not the solution. The problem remains, but with more hate.”