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Pope's Words Anger Victims of Sex Abuse

Posted Apr 16, 08 5:07 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Pope Benedict's attempt to placate priests' sex abuse victims has only served to anger many of them, reports the New York Times. The pontiff said he was "deeply ashamed" of the scandal that has triggered complaints from some 13,000 victims. He does not plan to meet with any victims' organizations during his US visit, however, and numerous protests are planned.

Victims' groups are calling for the Pope to take action against bishops who covered up for pedophile priests—and change church law to ensure that any priest who has assaulted a child is removed from the ministry. "We don’t really need his sense of shame,” said one abuse victim. “We need him to take firm actions to correct the situation.”

Source New York Times

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Demonstrators gather outside the White House in Washington, Monday, April 14, 2008, to protest the alleged abuses of the Catholic priests as the city prepares for the Pope's visit.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Pope Benedict XVI, left, stands alongside Archbishop Pietro Sambi, as he faces a group of local Catholics gathered to greet him, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI, left, walks with President Bush, right, during his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, April 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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Catholic Church  • Pope Benedict XVI  • sexual abuse  • Pope Benedict's US visit  • priest  • priest sex abuse  • clergy abuse scandal


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