Pope Francis describes sexual abuse by priests as an 'absolute monstrosity' in new book

'How can a priest at the service of Christ and his Church cause so much harm?'

In a new book about surviving clerical sexual abuse, Pope Francis wrote a preface in which he explained his disgust and heartache.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Daniel Pittet, author of "I forgive you, Father," set to be released in Italian later in February, describes the abuse he survived for four years, beginning when he was only 8-years-old.

The now 57-year-old man recalled the Capuchin brother who molested him for years and his struggles with "the tremendous damage."

Pittet told La Stampa Pope Francis spoke to him and asked how the strength for his missionary spirit was born. When Pittet avoided a direct answer, the Pope pressed gently until he admitted: "Father, I was raped by a priest."

Pittet explained: "He looked at me in silence with tears in his eyes and hugged me. Now these are [Pope Francis'] strong and courageous words of condemnation of pedophilia, the secret that kills."

When Pittet's draft was written up, Pope Francis asked to read it and offered to write a preface.

In his preface, the Pope does not deny the horrors of sexual abuse but does build up Pittet, saying he was able to "break down the walls of silence that covered the scandals and suffering, shedding light on a terrible dark area in the life of the church."

Pope Francis wrote: "How can a priest at the service of Christ and his Church cause so much harm?...Some of the victims have been driven to suicide. These deaths weigh on my heart, on  my conscience and that of the whole Church.

"To their families, I offer my feelings of love and pain and humbly, I ask forgiveness."

The Pontiff continued, asking how someone so devoted to leading children to God could end up "devouring" them in "a diabolical sacrifice" that consumes the victim and the life of the Church.

He cites a document released by the Vatican in June 2016, saying priests who dare betray their mission and bishops or cardinals who protected those priests would be dealt with in "extremely strict" ways.

After meeting Pittet, Pope Francis explained the man was able to reveal "another face of the Church," one that kept him from losing all hope in men and God. Prayer comforted him in his "darkest hours" and led to forgiveness.

In his book, Pittet describes how he met Joel Allaz, his abuser, years later. He met Allaz and was able to forgive him and build a life. He became a librarian, married and had six beautiful children.

"Many people fail to understand the fact that I do not hate him," Pittet wrote.

Though he has forgiven Allaz, Pittet explained he will continue his efforts to see the church breaks its silence and denounces pedophiles. The author admitted much has been done to correct the darkness in the church but France and Italy are home to many pedophiles and priests who know of the events but who continue as if nothing happened.

"They keep the secret and new children become victims," Pittet explained.

Many agree with Pittet, saying the Church has been too slow to address the known instances of pedophile priests. A new Vatican Tribunal to hold bishops accountable has been created but has yet to make a move.

Thankfully, Pope Francis recently appointed Boston's Cardinal Sean O'Malley, a member of the council of cardinals who advise the Pontiff and head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the faith, which has led prosecuting cases under Church law for priests charged with sexual abuse.

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