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	Pope Benedict Decries Abuse by Priests, Calls for 'Wider Context' Earthtimes April 16, 2008 http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/199436,pope-benedict-decries-abuse-by-priests-calls-for-wider-context.html Washington - Pope Benedict XVI again condemned sexual abuse by priests as a "deep shame," adding in an address Wednesday to US bishops that the church's reforms to cope with and prevent molestation "need to be placed in a wider context.""Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships," Benedict said in an address, following a vesper service at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. "They should be spared the degrading manifestations and the crude manipulation of sexuality so prevalent today. They have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person." Benedict's comments were made available to journalists in advance copies of the speech. The pontiff emphasized "the centrality of the family and the need to promote the Gospel of life." "What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available today?" Benedict asked. "We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society, so that a sound moral formation can be offered to young people and adults alike. All have a part to play in this task - not only parents, religious leaders, teachers and catechists, but the media and entertainment industries as well." He urged bishops to "address the sin of abuse within the wider context of sexual mores." The church can "give a lead to others, since this scourge is found not only within your dioceses, but in every sector of society," Benedict told the bishops. After meeting earlier Wednesday at the White House with US President George W Bush, Benedict arrived by motorcade more than 30 minutes late at the shrine. With about 400 US bishops in attendance from the country's 195 dioceses, the pontiff entered the evening worship service wearing a gold mitra and cloak, receiving a standing ovation. A robed aide handed him his eyeglasses, which he put on before beginning to lead the introductory Latin verses of the vesper service.
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