Javno
February 22, 2010
http://www.javno.com/en-world/german-catholic-archbishop-sorry-for-child-abuse_295155
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An independent investigator hired by the Jesuit order last week said that so far around 120 people had come forward alleging abuse.
BERLIN, February 22, 2010 (AFP) - The head of the German Bishops' Conference said Monday he was "deeply shocked" by a growing child sexual abuse scandal in Roman Catholic schools and asked for victims' forgiveness.
"I am deeply shocked by the cases of abuse that have come to light," said Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, according to the text of a speech delivered at the conference's annual meeting.
"Sexual abuse of minors is always a heinous crime. I want to associate myself with this statement from Pope Benedict and apologise to all those who were a victim of such crimes," he added.
The pope called child abuse a "heinous crime" and a "grave sin" last week as he wrapped up talks with two dozen bishops seeking to limit the damage from this scandal and others that have rocked the Church in recent years.
In January, an elite Jesuit school in Berlin admitted the systematic sexual abuse of its pupils by two Roman Catholic priests in the 1970s and 1980s, prompting calls for the Church to make a statement.
Earlier this month the head of the Jesuits in Germany said that a third priest had been suspended and press reports have said that abuse has been alleged at least seven institutions around the country.
An independent investigator hired by the Jesuit order last week said that so far around 120 people had come forward alleging abuse.
"Abuse weighs especially heavily on the church, because children and young people have a particular trust in priests. There should be no abuse -- especially not in the church," Zollitsch said on Monday.
He called for a "complete and absolutely transparent explanation" of further suspected cases.
The pope rebuked Irish bishops at last week's meeting in Rome for failing for decades to act effectively in cases of sexual abuse against young people.
Government investigations in Ireland revealed that one priest admitted sexually abusing more than 100 children, while another said he had abused minors on a fortnightly basis over 25 years.
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