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Pope Prays for Healing After Abuse Scandal

Posted Apr 19, 08 11:37 AM CDT in US 

(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.

Source Associated Press

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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 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.   (AP Photo/Shannon Stapleton, Pool)
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.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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.   (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.   (AP Photo/Ettore Ferrari, Pool)
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New York • Pope Benedict XVI • Vatican • Pope Benedict's US visit • Christians • priest sex abuse • Roman Catholicism


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