Abstract
The article presents the way in which Pope Francis understands the term 'clericalism.' It shows that it characterises a mismatch with the mindset of Jesus Christ and manifests itself as a 'perversion of the Church' because it stems from the misinterpretation of the relationships between Christians of the same state of life or of different states within the only people of God. The Pope sees clericalism as a shared sin in which clerics, or clerics and lay people are involved, whether it is the clericalism of clerics or the clericalisation of the laity.
Sexual abuse associated with the abuse of power is a tragic symptom of this wider reality. However, a wider awareness of clericalism appears to be an opportunity for repentance and remedy.