The Pope said the right words in Australia:
“Dear friends, may this celebration, in the presence of the Successor of Peter, be a moment of rededication and renewal for the whole Church in Australia!
“Here I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country. Indeed, I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them that as their pastor I too share in their suffering.
“These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation. They have caused great pain and have damaged the Church’s witness. I ask all of you to support and assist your bishops, and to work together with them in combating this evil. Victims should receive compassion and care, and those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice. It is an urgent priority to promote a safer and more wholesome environment, especially for young people.
“In these days marked by the celebration of World Youth Day, we are reminded of how precious a treasure has been entrusted to us in our young people, and how great a part of the Church’s mission in this country has been dedicated to their education and care.
“As the Church in Australia continues, in the spirit of the Gospel, to address effectively this serious pastoral challenge, I join you in praying that this time of purification will bring about healing, reconciliation and ever greater fidelity to the moral demands of the Gospel.”
I would feel better about this is these words had not been added at the last minute. According to John Allen, “The pope’s direct apology was a last-minute addition to his prepared text.”
There is still no indication that bishops will suffer any consequences if they choose to tolerate abuse and to make hard-hearted remarks about victims (see below).
I am a U.S.-born missionary priest who has been working in Mexico for the past 30 years. Although I applaud any and all pressure being put on the bishops of the world to act more swiftly and firmly against pedophilia cases, I in no way disparage Pope Benedict’s brave outspokenness in the U.S. and in Australia. I look forward to the day he would speak like that in Latin America and in countries where pedophilia cases are not being confronted. As yet, he has addressed the problem only in countries where priests and religious had previously been denounced amply by the media. Would avoidance of “scandal” be his reason? Until he does decide what to say in “silent” countries, for my part I have spoken on the radio and written articles for newspapers which are primarily empowered by quotes taken from Benedict XVI. Without these quotes from our highest moral authority on earth, I would still be drowning in the sea of denial surrounding me. The Pope’s words have been my strongest shield against my Bishop’s possible reproofs, and those of ensconced priests.
Charles, You may continue to dream on! Benedict (or Ratzinger as was) is in way over his head! Wasn’t he responsible for most of the cover ups as his predecessors Rottweiler? That the public can be so gullible to believe ‘words’ that are utterly meanless beggars belief!