Muskogee Phoenix
April 15, 2008
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/opinion/local_story_106170716.html
Pope Benedict's apology will go a long way to improve the Catholic Church's image in the United States. Carrying out his promise to screen priests better and bar pedophiles from becoming priests will go further.
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| Pope Benedict XVI Photo by Pier Paolo Cito |
Pope Benedict XVI arrived Tuesday in the United States, his first visit here since becoming the head of the Roman Catholic Church three years ago. He immediately apologized for the child sex abuse committed by some priests that became public about six years ago. Since then U.S. Catholic churches have paid out about $2 billion in court settlements.
The scandal is certainly still fresh in people's minds and an embarrassment for the church. But the pope's visit is important beyond the apology he made.
Pope Benedict is the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion people worldwide, and wields great influence in morality and beyond. He exerts political influence, and what he has to say touches on all aspects of our lives, Catholic or not. While in New York, he will address the United Nations and other church leaders.
In this age of ever increasing technological and social change, what spiritual leaders have to say carries great weight. His influence, too, can serve to make this country a better and more compassionate place.
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