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	Disappointment over Papal Apology By Paula Kruger ABC July 21, 2008 http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2008/s2309114.htm [with audio] Transcript This is a transcript from AM. The program is broadcast around Australia at 08:00 on ABC Local Radio. You can also listen to the story in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA and MP3 formats. TONY EASTLEY: When the Pope apologised on Saturday to people who had been sexually abused by Catholic clergy it caught many by surprise. The Pontiff's words went much further than an expression of regret he gave during a recent visit to the United States. Victims groups in Australia liked what they heard but they are upset the statement wasn't made directly to the people affected by abuse. Paula Kruger reports. PAULA KRUGER: It came with little warning and away from the crowds of exuberant World Youth Day pilgrims. During a mass on Saturday at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral attended by Australian bishops, seminarians and novices, Pope Benedict XVI gave this unprecedented apology. POPE BENEDICT: Indeed I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I ensure them that as a pastor, I too, share in their suffering. PAULA KRUGER: The Pope went on to ask the Australian bishops to work on combating the evil of sexual abuse, give victims compassion and care and to create a safer environment for young people. Dr Paul Collins is a former priest and a commentator on the Catholic Church. Speaking from the noisy aftermath of the World Youth Day mass, he welcomed what he described as a sincere gesture from the pontiff. PAUL COLLINS: I took it at its face value. I think Pope Benedict XVI has a profound understanding of this as a real problem for the Church. I wouldn't say that everyone else in Rome has that understanding but certainly Pope Benedict does. What I suppose the real issue is, is the accountability of our own bishops, of our Australian bishops and their willingness to actually do something about it; to actually make it a reality on the ground. That, it seems to me, is the key issue. PAULA KRUGER: There were no representatives of victims of sexual abuse in St Mary's Cathedral when the Pope delivered his apology. Chris MacIsaac from the victims support group Broken Rites says the Catholic Church missed an opportunity to make the gesture more sincere. CHRIS MACISAAC: I think that it really needs to be delivered directly to the people who suffered that abuse. They could have looked some victims who represented all victims in the eye and said, the Pope could have said I am truly sorry. But when they stood on the other side of the street from St Mary's Cathedral, it was a little hard to feel that. PAULA KRUGER: Chris MacIsaac says Catholic bishops have in the past played down the significance of sexual abuse by clergy and that they need to take up the challenge of providing greater transparency. She also says the young pilgrims who have been the happy face of Catholicism this week, needed to be part of their church's apology. CHRIS MACISAAC: Because it is the youth that have been abused and it is the youth today that need to be on guard for this type of abuse. And just speaking to the bishops, I think they missed that opportunity. TONY EASTLEY: Chris MacIsaac from the Broken Rites ending Paula Kruger's report.
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