Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Pope Prays for Healing After Abuse Scandal

Reassures clergy of his "spiritual closeness" in NYC

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 19, 2008 11:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pope Benedict XVI spent the third anniversary of his election to the papacy trying to comfort clergy still weathering the fallout from the priest sex abuse scandal, the AP reports. “I simply wish to assure you of my spiritual closeness,” Benedict said. The pontiff, addressing 3,000 people at New York’s famed St. Patrick’s cathedral, also called for purification and healing.

A Vatican official said the church may make it easier to oust predators. But the pope’s support for the clergy comes as their ranks diminish: More than 3,200 of 18,600 American parishes don’t have resident priests, the AP says, and officials have been scouting overseas to find potential candidates. Tomorrow, Benedict will visit ground zero and hold Mass at Yankee Stadium.

Pope Benedict XVI has called for healing in the aftermath of the priest sex abuse scandal.
Pope Benedict XVI has called for healing in the aftermath of the priest sex abuse scandal.   (AP Photo/Vincenzo Pinto, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI  greets the faithful next to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg upon his arrival at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful next to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg upon his arrival at St. Patrick's Cathedral.   (AP Photo/Ettore Ferrari, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful upon his arrival at St. Patrick' s Cathedral in New York today.
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful upon his arrival at St. Patrick' s Cathedral in New York today.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York today.
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York today.   (AP Photo/Shannon Stapleton, Pool)
Nuns watch for Pope Benedict XVI as he enters St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Nuns watch for Pope Benedict XVI as he enters St. Patrick's Cathedral.   (AP Photo/Shannon Stapleton, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York.
Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Pope Benedict XVI is seen during an ecumenical prayer service at St. Joseph's Church in New York Friday.
Pope Benedict XVI is seen during an ecumenical prayer service at St. Joseph's Church in New York Friday.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit Ground Zero on Sunday.
Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit Ground Zero on Sunday.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Pope Benedict XVI arrives at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saturday  April 19, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI arrives at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saturday April 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful upon arrival at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful upon arrival at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.   (AP Photo/ Vincenzo Pinto, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Vatican Leaks Expose a Mutiny Within

Pope Benedict 'Murder Plot' Shakes Italy

Brits Issue 'Catholic Cards'

Christians Usher in Christmas

Vatican Will Canonize First Native American Saint


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne