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	Calls for Sex-Abuse Apology from Pope The Courier July 1, 2008 http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/calls-for-sexabuse-apology-from-pope/801483.aspx TWO victims of church-related sexual abuse in Ballarat have backed calls for an apology from the Pope. This follows comments by Australia's most senior Catholic leader, and former Ballarat priest, Cardinal George Pell that a papal apology would be a "welcome contribution" during World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney this month. Stephen Woods was sexually assaulted by three Catholic priests at St Alipius Primary School and St Patrick's College between 1972 and 1975. When contacted by The Courier yesterday, the now Melbourne-based Mr Woods said the Pope "should absolutely apologise" during his visit to Australia. "It would be the least he could do," Mr Woods said. "But I don't think it's likely he will because he's here for World Youth Day and it was youth who were assaulted so the relationship between the two may be too far an inconvenient truth for him." Mr Woods also questioned the motive behind Cardinal Pell's comments. "I wonder how much of this is damage control on Pell's part," he said. "David", who was sexually assaulted while a student at St Alipius Primary School in the mid 1970s, called for a full apology backed by a state inquiry. "There's no excuse not to have one," David said. "It's the only way the war is going to end between the bishops and the victims. "A fair go would mean we would be treated equally in accordance with the law." Meanwhile, Ballarat Catholic Bishop Peter Connors has also said he "certainly would agree" with an apology by the Pope. "It has always been my view that it would be very helpful for him to express an apology," Bishop Connors said. He said July 19, when the Pope meets with bishops, priest and seminarians, would be a "good opportunity" for this to happen.
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