Pope Francis met with cheers and protest in Chile; apologizes for sexual abuse by priests

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile in Chile’s capital, Santiago. The last papal visit to Chile was in 1987, by Pope John Paul II, when the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet still ruled.

A man is arrested during a protest against Pope Francis in Santiago on Tuesday. The Vatican’s handling of sex abuse cases has fueled bitter criticism in Chile and elsewhere.

Riot police clash with protesters near O’Higgins Park in Santiago, Chile, where the pontiff was to say Mass on Tuesday.

Pope Francis makes his way through the crowd as he arrives on the popemobile at O’Higgins Park.

A woman waits for the start of Mass with Pope Francis on Tuesday.

Riot police in Santiago struggle with a protester during a demonstration spurred by Pope Francis’ visit to Chile. The sexual abuse crisis has divided the church in Chile.

Attendees file in for the Mass at O’Higgins Park in Santiago.