Pope Francis thanks Vatican journalists for uncovering Catholic scandals 'with sensitivity'

Pope Francis thanked the Rome-based journalists who regularly report on his papacy for their work to uncover scandals in the global Catholic Church in a manner that he said showed "great sensitivity," as part of a first of its kind meeting at the Vatican on Jan. 22.

In an hour-long encounter in the Vatican's ornate Clementine Hall with about 150 of the journalists who have covered Francis' 10-year papacy most closely, the pope acknowledged scandals in the church and said he witnessed the reporters work with "respect" in uncovering them.

"In a certain sense, being a journalist is choosing to touch with your hands the wounds of society and of the world," said the pope. "This is an occasion for me to thank you."

Francis was meeting Jan. 22 with journalists who are members of the International Association of Journalists Accredited by the Vatican, of which National Catholic Reporter is a part. The association, which is led by volunteers, helps organize coverage of many Vatican and papal events, including the pope's press conferences during his trips abroad.

Although the organization has existed in various forms since 1978, it had never been granted a formal audience with a pope. Francis spoke for about 12 minutes during the encounter, before greeting each of the journalists one-by-one.