ABC News
July 18, 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/19/2308484.htm
[with video and audio]
Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his "shame" over child sex abuse by Catholic clergymen in Australia and called for those responsible for the "evil" to be brought to justice.
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| 'Deeply sorry': Pope Benedict reads the statement at St Mary's Cathedral |
The Pope made his comments during a mass to dedicate a new altar at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral.
"Here I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country," he said.
"Indeed, I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them that as their pastor I too share in their suffering.
"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation.
"Victims should receive compassion and care, and those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice.
"It is an urgent priority to promote a safer and more wholesome environment, especially for young people," he added.
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