Critics charge that, in a recent interview in an Italian newspaper, Pope Francis did not apologise for the abuse.

The Pope did acknowledge that "the cases of abuse are terrible because they leave very profound wounds".

But he praised the policies on abuse instituted Pope Benedict XVI.

Francis said that the Catholic Church has "advanced a lot, perhaps more than anyone" in battling the sexual abuse of children.

Victims' advocates said his tone was reminiscent of the defensive rhetoric adopted by the Vatican 10 years ago.

Critics also charge that Pope Francis has not disciplined any bishops who covered up for abusers and has yet to meet with any abuse victims or name any members to a commission he promised to establish three months ago.

A Vatican spokesman said the abuse commission is taking time to set up, but it remained a priority for the Pope.

The editors of the National Catholic Reporter in the United States wrote an open letter to Pope Francis urging him to meet clergy sex abuse victims, as Pope Benedict did.

The editors also suggested the Pope have a healing service on Holy Thursday for victims of clergy sexual abuse.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York told media Pope Francis would probably meet such victims.

Sources:

• National Catholic Reporter
• The Tablet
• New York Daily News
• Image: Catholic Vote