At the Vatican, an apology from Pope Francis to the victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:

"It causes me distress and pain at the fact that some priests and bishops, by sexually abusing minors, violated their innocence and their own priestly vocation. It goes beyond just despicable actions. It is like a sacrilegious cult. Before God and his people I express my sorrow for the sins and grave crimes of clerical sexual abuse committed against you. And I humbly ask forgiveness. I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of Church leaders who did not respond adequately to reports of abuse made by family members, as well as by abuse victims themselves."

His remarks came on the heels of a meeting with victims at the Vatican, his first since becoming Pontiff. Some say it's too little too late.

SOUNDBITE: Reuters Vatican correspondent Philip Pullella saying.

"The Pope has come under a bit of criticism f