Duterte calls for reform in the Catholic Church

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on the Catholic Church to reform itself after Pope Francis admitted that nuns had been sexually abused by priests and bishops.

The pontiff said on Tuesday that he was aware of the abuse of women religious by clerics, and said that the Church would do something to end the misconduct.

The abuse of women religious by clerics was reported to be more prevalent in Africa and Asia.

"The Pope is in Dubai. He admitted yesterday na ‘yung mga madre, ‘yun ang konsumo ng mga pari. Really," Duterte said in a speech before barangay officials in Legazpi City.

"Hindi ako nagpapatawa. And I will not joke or crack a joke about that. Sinasabi ko na sa inyo eh. The Church has to reform," said the President, as he again recalled how he was sexually molested by an American priest when he was a boy.

Duterte has been using his speeches to lash out against bishops and priests, whom he accused of womanizing, of being child molesters, and for being corrupt.

He also questioned the Church's doctrine, called the Christian god "stupid," and branded the Catholic Church as the “most hypocritical institution” in the Philippines.

Malacañang, however, denied last week that Duterte has been critical of the Catholic Church as an institution, arguing that the chief executive's rhetoric was directed only at "immoral acts" of some clergymen and the doctrines being taught. — DVM, GMA News