“There is no Christian joy when doors are closed; there is no Christian joy when others are made to feel unwanted,” the pope said.

Many in Chile opposed Francis’ appointment of Msgr. Barros as bishop because he is known to have belonged to the inner circle of a priest accused of abuse.

Pope Francis appealed to the Mapuche, who have suffered “great injustices,” to totally reject violence “which can make a just cause turn into a lie.”

Pope Francis dove head-first into Chile's sex abuse scandal on his first full day in Santiago.

Francis focused for the second time today during his visit to Chile on the abuse scandal that has rocked the Chilean church. “I know the pain resulting from cases of abuse of minors, and I am attentive to what you are doing to respond to this great and painful evil,” he said.

“It is right to ask for forgiveness,” the pope said, “and make every effort to support the victims.”