BishopAccountability.org
	Editorial: Benedict Can't Skirt Sex Abuse News-Press April 16, 2008 http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/OPINION/80415073/1015 Three years after his election as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI faces several pressing issues on his first visit to the United States. Various Roman Catholic activists will use the visit to highlight their causes, including the ordination of women, gay rights and the ban on contraception. They have planned news conferences, vigils and demonstrations along "Popemobile" routes. Benedict owes it to the church to address his congregants' concerns. Especially the distressful issue of clerical sex abuse. The faith was shaken in 2002 when the Boston archdiocese emerged as the epicenter of a nationwide scandal. Thousands of molestation allegations have been filed against Catholic clergy, costing the church about $2 billion. The fallout has impacted the church financially, but more importantly, it has dented the church's moral authority, leaving many Catholics divided, damaged and demoralized. There are indications that Benedict will address the sex scandal, though not to the extent desired by advocates. They want a Mass for abuse victims, opposed to a private meeting with a select few. "Extraordinarily few Catholics and victims will be moved in any way by gestures, words or tokens," said David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "It's as plain as day that three years into his papacy, Benedict has done literally nothing to protect the vulnerable or heal the wounded." SNAP also wants punishment for bishops who covered up abuses, and pre-emptive measures by the Vatican against abuse in other nations. A public Mass would be fitting. At the very least, Benedict should address the issue head-on.
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