Montserrat’s father abbot apologizes for minor abuse but rules out stepping down

Montserrat’s father abbot, Josep Maria Soler, has once again publically apologized during Sunday’s homily for the sexual abuse of minors that took place at the monastery, but in interviews to the press has made it clear that he will not step down despite calls for him to do so from Miguel Hurtado, one of the known pedophilia survivors.

Soler, who has stated that he is still supported by the Vatican despite the scandal that came to light, said that he was “dismayed” by the events that took place, and lamented the church’s “sins” and “weaknesses,” for which he said they would work on improving the already existing child protection mechanisms.