By Nadine Elsibai
Irish Independent
April 18, 2008
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/pope-urges-healing-in-wake-of-sex-abuse-scandals-1350807.html?from=dailynews
Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics in the US to "foster healing and reconciliation" in the wake of the scandal involving paedophile priests.
The pontiff, in a sermon during the Mass he celebrated before about 47,000 people in the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium, said he is "outraged" by the sexual abuse.
 |
| Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leads a Mass at National Park Stadium in Washington |
"No words of mine can describe the pain and harm inflicted by such abuse (nor) the damage that has occurred within the community of the Church," he said from an altar platform in centre field.
Relations with American Catholics have been strained over what many say has been the Vatican's reluctance to deal with the child-abuse scandal, in which more than 5,000 clergymen have been accused of molesting about 12,000 victims.
Priests have been dismissed and settlements reached since the scandal broke in 2002.
Scandal
Benedict's remarks followed his speech to bishops on Wednesday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington where he said the Church "very badly handled" the scandal.
He told US bishops it is crucial to protect children from sexual predators, and he urged them to promote a "moral renewal".
"While it must be remembered that the overwhelming majority of clergy and priests in America do outstanding work in bringing the liberating message of the gospel to the people entrusted to their care, it is vitally important that the vulnerable will always be shielded from those who cause harm," Benedict told the bishops.
The German-born pontiff, wearing scarlet vestments, drove into the stadium yesterday in his specialised popemobile. He stood waving the Vatican flag as he circled the field.
A large circular mat with the image of the papal coat of arms covered home plate and the yellow and white papal flag fluttered in left field.
Communion
Almost 200,000 requests were submitted for tickets to the Mass, and more than 5,000 seats were added on the field. Over 40,000 people received Communion and Placido Domingo sang afterwards.
Some of the liturgy was read in Spanish, reflecting the growth in population in the Catholic Church among Latinos -- almost a third of Catholics in the US are Hispanic.
On Wednesday, the Pope met with President George W Bush at the White House.
"Here in America, you'll find a nation that welcomes the role of faith in the public square," Mr Bush said.
The Pope said the US stands as an example to the world of freedom and human progress where all believers are welcomed.
"America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator," Benedict said.
During a private meeting, the two leaders discussed human rights and religious freedom, devoting "considerable time" to conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli- Palestinian peace process and Lebanese independence, the White House and Holy See said in a joint statement.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.