Church Cannot Tolerate Abuse by Priests: Hummes, CathNews, February 11, 2010

Church "Cannot Tolerate" Abuse by Priests: Hummes

CathNews
February 11, 2010

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=19322

Cardinal Claudio Hummes

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, has reiterated that the Church condemns sex abuse by clergy and wants to work more closely with victims as they deal with the consequences of the crime.

"The Church cannot tolerate (clerical sex abuse) and deals with it as a serious crime," Cardinal Hummes told UCA News.

"The Church cannot accept such priests."

He said the Church would insist on "a rigorous selection process" for priesthood candidates, and push for spiritual renewal of the clergy.

He added that the Church was "very concerned" for the victims. "The Church wants to be closer to them, offering them sympathy, solidarity and consolation."

In an earlier address, the cardinal noted the world had some 408,000 priests in 2008, the latest statistics available. This was an increase of 1,000 over the previous year.

He said the current observation of the Year for Priests presents the Church with an opportunity to love and respect its priests and recognize what they do for Church and society.