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	Mixed Feelings Surround Pope's Comments On Abuse My Fox Kansas City April 18, 2008 http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6349452&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States and his comments about the sex abuse scandal are opening the wounds of local victims abused by priests. Some are pleased by the public recognition of the problem, but others (including former priests) think more needs to be done before Catholics can move on. Casey Walsh is suing the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, claiming he was sexually abused by two priests for two years beginning when he was 12. Walsh attended St. Elizabeth's in Kansas City, Mo. He said he's pleased the Pope has acknowledged the decades-old problem with pedophile priests, but that dialogue is only the beginning. "I'm glad to hear it, but it's so little and so late," Walsh said. "After my experience, to get some reconciliation with the church by my lawsuit, and the way we have been treated in that process, it makes me wonder if the Pope really understands what is going on in this country." The Diocese said great efforts are being made to deal honestly and fairly with abuse claims. Al O'Laughlin, former priest and therapist, has counseled victims of sexual abuse by priests. "It's enough to make you vomit," O'Laughlin said of the abuse. "I don't mean that the Catholic Church isn't a good church. It is. It has helped billions of people, but there is one part of it that the Pope doesn't understand." O'Laughlin said the Pope's comments are progress toward healing, but that the head of the Church should have made a public statement a long time ago.
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