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	Pope to Apologise for Abuse by Priests Sydney Morning Herald July 12, 2008 http://news.smh.com.au/world/pope-to-apologise-for-abuse-by-priests-20080712-3dwa.html Pope Benedict XVI has revealed he will use his visit to Australia for World Youth Day (WYD) to apologise for sexual abuse by priests. The Pope told reporters aboard his plane en route to Sydney: "We have to consider what was insufficient in our behaviour and how we can prevent, heal, reconcile. "This is the essential content of what we will say as we apologise." He added that "being a priest is inconsistent with sexual abuse. This behaviour contradicts holiness." The Broken Rites support group for Australian victims of clergy abuse believes the effectiveness and genuineness of the Pope's apology will depend on its delivery. "We would like to see the apology made directly to some of the victims who represent all victims," Broken Rites spokeswoman Chris MacIsaac told AAP. "If the apology is just made to a public audience then it's not very personal. The victims need to be given the chance to listen and a chance to speak. "We do also think that when he makes the apology, it should not just be for the abuse itself, but for the inadequacy and cover-up and bad judgment of a lot of bishops when they have dealt with the victims." In a recently publicised case, victim Anthony Jones claimed Australia's senior Catholic leader, Sydney Archbishop George Pell, dismissed a claim of indecent assault against a priest who was later convicted of the crime. On Thursday, Dr Pell referred the claims and his handling of them to an independent panel, including retired NSW Supreme Court Judge Bill Priestly. Ms MacIsaac said: "There has been abuse and re-abuse at the hands of the church for many years and years. "This is the time for the Pope to show some leadership to the bishops of Australia and how they can move forward in the future. "And what plans are put forward to make sure abuse does not happen in the future?" Members of Broken Rites plan to be in Sydney for WYD representing victims of sexual abuse.
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