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	Taking Responsibility The Day April 19, 2008 http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=9b4b7c11-f084-4cd3-9cfb-48907ad982b6 The reality of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America has been so much greater than what was anticipated. This German-born pontiff, who marked his 81st birthday at the White House on Wednesday, may have signalled a turning point in the clergy sexual abuse scandal by repeatedly vilifying it and meeting privately to hear from and pray with some of the victims. The surprise meeting with the victims of abuse by Boston-area priests followed several other denunciations in recent days of the scandal that has marred the Roman Catholic church by the pope. Many believed that Pope Benedict would address the abuse scandal in passing during his visit, but not nearly as often and deeply as he has. It is good news for the church that its spiritual leader recognizes the depth of the damage done and is willing to confront the scandal and take responsibility for it. The pope spoke publicly about the clergy-abuse problem on each of the first three days of his visit, and then met Thursday with three men and two women, all victims, in a chapel, where he listened to and prayed with them. Pope Benedict, who before this visit was viewed by many as a quiet man, a theological scholar and author, has shown a more human side in his first visit as pontiff to the United States. Nearly 50,000 people packed Nationals Park in Washington Thursday for an open-air Mass that attendees called "spiritual and enlightening," while thousands more lined the streets outside the ballpark. Since his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base Tuesday, where he was greeted by President Bush and Laura Bush, he has reached out to as many people as possible. The pope visited the White House, the National Shrine, and met with church hierarchy, with Catholic educators, and with representatives of other faiths at an interreligious gathering. In New York City Friday, he told diplomats at the United Nations that respect for human rights is a key to solving world problems, and advocated for dialogue rather than conflict. Later, he was to appear at an ecumenical service. Before he leaves New York, the pope plans to say Masses at St. Patrick's Cathedral and Yankee Stadium, and visit Ground Zero, among other activities. So far, it has been an amazing trip for the pope and for the faithful. Many thought Pope Benedict didn't have the charisma that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, did. But he has shown himself to be extremely human, compassionate, understanding and accepting. Young and old have come out to greet him, and he has not disappointed. The Roman Catholic Church has suffered because of the abuse scandal involving some of its clergy. Much of the anger stemmed from the church's initial refusal to acknowledge and deal with the problem that came to light back in 2002. Since then, programs and safeguards have been developed to make future transgressions highly unlikely. But the pope's acknowledgement of the past ugliness, and his apology for it, is a very good thing. Pope Benedict has done the right thing.
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