Pope Says Sexual Abuse Issue 'Very Badly Handled', by AVTOR, April 16, 2008

Pope Says Sexual Abuse Issue 'Very Badly Handled'

CTV
April 16, 2008

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080415/Pope_visit_080416/20080416?hub=CTVNewsAt11

For the second time during his U.S. visit, Pope Benedict has addressed the issue of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests.

On Wednesday evening Benedict told a group of American bishops at a national shrine in Washington that the issue has been "very badly handled" at times. The Catholic Church in the U.S. has been rocked in the past few decades by allegations that some priests have molested altar boys and other followers. Since 2002, the Church has paid out tens of millions of dollars in compensation.

"Responding to this situation has not been easy and ... it was sometimes very badly handled," Benedict said.

Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges the crowd during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Earlier on Wednesday, a crowd of 13,500 well-wishers sang "Happy Birthday," welcoming him to the White House with one of the most grandiose ceremonies in the history of the presidential residence.

The Pope, on his first U.S. visit since being elected, marked his 81st birthday with the ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.

On the second day of the first papal visit to the United States in 29 years, Benedict took in two renditions of the birthday song, a 21-gun salute and a celebrated soprano's rendition of 'The Lord's Prayer.'

U.S. President Bush applauds as Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

U.S. President George Bush said the visit reminded Americans that there are clear definitions between "right" and "wrong."

"In a world where some no longer believe that we can distinguish between simple right and wrong, we need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism and embrace a culture of justice and truth," said Bush.

Bush also said the U.S. needed the "message that all human life is sacred."

The Catholic leader's White House visit -- the second-ever by a sitting pope -- lasted about 90 minutes.

Wednesday's remarks about priest abuse were the second time Benedict commented on the issue.

Pope Benedict XVI watches the trooping of the colours during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

During his flight to the United States, Benedict ended speculation about when he would address the topic of past sexual abuse within the clergy, telling reporters he is "deeply ashamed" of what took place.

David Naglieri, a producer for Canada's Salt and Light Television who is travelling with the papal press corps, said the issue had to arise.

"There's no way the Pope could make a six-day apostolic visit and not address this issue, and I also think it was important to talk about it initially, which he did on the plane," Naglieri told CTV's Canada AM.

He said there have even been suggestions that Benedict could meet with victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the Catholic clergy.

Naglieri also said the Pope's message about sexual abuse -- and the church's efforts to ensure it never happens again -- is relevant to Canadians as well as Americans.

"He talked about screening priests, candidates, and seminary inspections and ensuring that we don't just have a lot of priests, but we have good and holy priests who are never going to abuse children -- that's relevant for Catholics in the United States and also in Canada," Naglieri said.