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Dublin: 6 °C Saturday 25 May, 2013

Pope apologises to child abuse victims

Strongest apology yet as Pope refers to “the shame and humiliation” brought about by clerical sex abuse.

POPE BENEDICT XVI has apologised for what he called the “unspeakable crimes” committed by Cathlolic priests against children.

In a speech this morning at Westminster Cathedral, the Pontiff said “I express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes, along with my hope that the power of Christ’s grace, his sacrifice of reconciliation, will bring deep healing and peace to their lives.”

In what is the most strong apology made during the UK visit so far, the Pope he acknowledges “the shame and humiliation which all of us have suffered because of these sins.”

“I invite you to offer it to the Lord with trust that this chastisement will contribute to the healing of the victims and the purification of the church and the renewal of her age-old commitment to the education and care of young people” said the Pope.

Pope Benedict met with British Prime Minister David Cameron this morning.  Follow the Telegraph liveblog of the papal visit here.

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Comments (2 Comments)

  • JR 18/09/10 #

    Too bad it wasn’t followed up with: I’m going to try and help prosecute the people who did this.

    No, instead it’s followed up by: We’re going to keep running schools and institutions for vunerable children, yup, we are.

    Reply
  • Susan, does it really count as an apology if you fail to express contrition of any kind? Or even to actually say ‘sorry’?

    Reply

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