Pope Francis met with ‘sparse crowds’ and protests during Chile visit

But crowds in Santiago were sparser than those seen during visits to neighbouring countries, with some protesting over sexual abuse by priests and others angry at a decision made to appoint a bishop close to another who abused minors.

Francis appointed Juan Barros, a reverend who was mentored by Rev Fernando Karadima, with the latter found guilty in 2011 of abusing dozens of minors over decades by the Vatican.

Rev Barros, bishop of the southern city of Osorno, has always denied he knew what Karadima was doing when he was the priest’s protege.

“It’s not just time for the Pope to ask for forgiveness for the abuses but also to take action,” said Juan Carlos Cruz, a victim of Karadima.

Pope Francis was greeted by President Michelle Bachelet and a band played while the two walked on a red carpet as night began to fall.

The pope travelled in a black sedan to the centre of the city, flanked by several cars. He then transferred to a popemobile, waving to small crowds of well-wishers who lined up along avenues.

Crowds were notably thin, particularly compared to papal visits in other Latin American countries.

“Long live the pope!” yelled some as he passed by in the popemobile.

Others carried signs criticising the pope or extolling him to act.

“Stop the abuse, Francis!” read one sign. “You can so you must!”

Over the next three days,…