VATICAN CITY — VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis says gossiping is a “plague worse than COVID” that is seeking to divide the Catholic Church. Francis strayed from his prepared text Sunday to double down on his frequent complaint about gossiping within church communities and even within the Vatican bureaucracy. Francis didn’t give specifics during his weekly blessing, but went on at some length to say the devil is the “biggest gossiper” who is seeking to divide the church with his lies. He said: “Please brothers and sisters, let’s try to not gossip." Francis’ comments came as he elaborated on a Gospel passage about the need to correct others privately when they do something wrong. Survivors of sexual abuse have said this form of private reprimand has allowed abuse to fester in the church.
Gregorio Borgia/AP
Pope Francis recites the Angelus noon prayer from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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