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  Pope 'Deeply Sorry' for 'Evil' of Child Abuse

ABC News
July 18, 2008

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/19/2308484.htm

[with video and audio]

Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his "shame" over child sex abuse by Catholic clergymen in Australia and called for those responsible for the "evil" to be brought to justice.

'Deeply sorry': Pope Benedict reads the statement at St Mary's Cathedral

The Pope made his comments during a mass to dedicate a new altar at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral.

"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," he said.

"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.

"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," he added.

 
 

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