Pope Francis is seeking forgiveness for recent scandals that have rocked the Vatican and Rome. It's in an apparent response to revelations of gay sex by priests, revealed this month during a meeting of bishops. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING: "Jesus is a realist. He says it is inevitable that there will be scandals. But woe to the man who causes scandals. Today, before I begin the Catechism, in the name of the Church, I ask you for forgiveness for the scandals that have occurred recently either in Rome or in the Vatican." The Pope's appeal came during his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square. Earlier this month, a Polish priest was fired from his job at the Vatican after he held a news conference announcing -- not only that he's gay -- but that he's been living with another man for years. The next week, Italian media reported a clergyman at a Rome parish allegedly had encounters with -- quote "vulnerable adults" -- at a park frequented by male prostitutes. Parishioners were reportedly furious the clergyman had simply been moved to another part of Italy instead of being disciplined. It's not the first time Francis has sought forgiveness on behalf of the Catholic Church.... the institution still coming to grips with global accusations of child sex abuse by the clergy, and with its treatment of Protestants and indigenous people throughout its history.