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  Steubenville Diocese Addresses Pedophile Priest Scandal

Wtov
April 10, 2010

http://www.wtov9.com/news/23105917/detail.html

[with video]

The Associated Press obtained a letter that questions whether then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger advised against defrocking a priest who sexually molested children.

Bishop Daniel Conlon of the Steubenville Diocese held a press conference to address the scandal on Friday. He decided to speak out because of what he called "collateral damage."

Conlon said that accusations that the current pope failed to act against a priest who molested children can negatively impact the whole church, including in the Ohio Valley.

Catholics across the globe have questions about Pope Benedict and how much he knew about a pedophile priest. Conlon said he wants an open conversation with parishioners in the Steubenville Diocese.

"The abuse is a terrible crime as well as a sin for which there is no excuse," said Conlon.

The bishop called on local media to get the word out. He said the church has faced several crises in its 2000 year history.

"We have managed, with God's help, to get this far," said Conlon.

He said that in the last eight years, church leaders in the United States have made great strides to stop abuse and protect children.

Conlon knows Catholics in the Ohio Valley may have concerns about the latest scandal involving the pope, and he said he's had a few people speak to him about it.

"There are no current allegations that we are dealing with in the Diocese of Steubenville," said Conlon.

Conlon said for the few years Ratzinger was in charge of the church's doctrinal watchdog group, things were handled well, but the Steubenvillle Diocese had minimal dealings.

 
 

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