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  Apology Puts Pell and Fisher on Notice: Victim

West Australian
July 19, 2008

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=85768

The Pope's apology to victims of clergy sexual abuse has put his subordinates on notice, a victims' advocate says.

Pope Benedict XVI, in Sydney for World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations, today apologised to minors sexually abused by members of the clergy in Australia.

John Hennessey, a spokesman for victims of abuse at the hands of Christian Brothers schools across Australia, said the pontiff's apology had "practically chastised" the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, and World Youth Day coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher.

"I thought that Cardinal Pell and Bishop Fisher were going to win in the end, but the Pope has taken over as the leader and he's put them all on notice," Mr Hennessey said.

"(It's) absolutely beautiful.

"The Pope has practically chastised them.

"He didn't have to use the words *shame' and *betrayal' and he used the words compassion and care.

"This is the sort of language that we love to hear."

Mr Hennessey, who is also a former deputy mayor of Campbelltown council, in Sydney's south-west, said he spoke on behalf of hundreds of silent victims and was "absolutely encouraged and delighted" by the papal apology.

"I sincerely congratulate His Holiness for being brave enough to show leadership to the world that he's not going to put up with this anymore," he said.

 
 

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