Pope Francis

Pope Francis has made a surprise public apology for recent scandals “either in Rome or in the Vatican”.

He made the apology at his weekly general audience in St Peter’s square, but did not specify which scandals.

He is thought to be referring to a senior polish priest who was dismissed from his Vatican post after announcing he was in a gay relationship.

The Pope’s spokesman said the pontiff had not been referring to the recent resignation of Rome’s mayor.

Federico Lombardi admitted to reporters that the Pope’s apology had been “broad and generic” but said it did not refer to “political” situations involving mayor Ignazio Marino, who resigned earlier this week over an expenses scandal.

Father Lombardi said the Pope was referring to scandals in which there is a “responsibility of men of the church.

(BBC)