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  Pope Likely to Say Sorry for Abuse

The Australian

July 7, 2008

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23980034-12377,00.html

POPE Benedict XVI is likely to apologise to victims of sexual abuse during World Youth Day events, head of the Catholic Church in Australia says.

Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell said the Pope handled his apology to abuse victims in the US earlier this year "very well".

He said it was likely the Pope would use his trip to Sydney to express shame and regret for sexual abuse cases involving the church in Australia.

"He handled it (apology) very well in the United States and I anticipate he'll do the same here," Cardinal Pell said on ABC radio.

In-Depth: World Youth Day 2008

Pope Benedict XVI will be in Sydney from July 15 to 20 to oversee Youth Day events that are expected to attract more than 200,000 pilgrims.

Cardinal Pell said Australians "overwhelming" supported the $150 million event despite the anticipated inconveniences.

"We've had access to polling and it said overwhelmingly, Australians and Sydneysiders were in favour of World Youth Day."

"Only about 10 or 11 per cent who felt that they were strongly opposed."

During the events police will be given special powers that allow them to issue fines of up to $5500 to anyone deemed to be "causing annoyance".

Catholic priest and lawyer Frank Brennan last week said the laws were unworkable, unjust and contravened the teachings of the church.

Cardinal Pell said the remarks were a "complete beat up".

"On occasion he shows a conspicuous sense of due proportion, a bit of a lack of common sense. We've asked for no extra rules or regulations, it's a complete storm in a tea cup."

Cardinal Pell said World Youth Day would be a "marvellous and happy" Catholic event, but he was not yet "excited".

"I will be (excited) when we are in the midst of it, but excited is not quite the word I would use at the moment."

 
 

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