VATICAN CITY
Catholic News Service
By John Thavis
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a series of "ad limina" talks this year, Pope John Paul II has encouraged U.S. bishops to regroup pastorally after the sex abuse scandal and recover their prophetic voice on moral and social issues.
The pope acknowledged that the clergy sex abuse cases have brought a "crisis of confidence" in church leadership in the United States. But rather than dwell on the past failings, he praised the bishops for their response to the crisis and suggested it was time to turn the page.
The pope said rebuilding the church's credibility -- among Catholics and in society -- would ultimately be achieved through the holiness and witness of its pastors and faithful.
The "ad limina" visits, which began in March and ended in mid-December, brought the entire U.S. episcopate to Rome in 14 regional groups. Each group spent a week in meetings and special liturgies designed to underline their apostolic ties with Rome. "Ad limina" visits are required of heads of dioceses every five years.