ROME
Press TV (Iran)

The Roman Catholic Church is holding its first summit in Rome aimed at discussing ways to confront a rise in the sexual abuse of children by priests.

The Vatican’s previous stance towards the issue had been one in support of the priests involved in the abuse cases.

Mounting pressure on the Roman Church has led it to focus on protecting the victims.

”Healing for victims must be of paramount concern in the Christian community, and it must go hand in hand with a profound renewal of the church at every level,” Pope Benedict XVI said.