Catholic Officials in Harrisburg Say Pope's 2015 Visit to Philladelphia Might Heal Divisions Caused by Clergy Abuse Scandal

By Mary Klaus
The Patriot-News
June 3, 2012

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/06/catholic_officials_in_harrisbu.html


PHILADELPHIA — An announcement Sunday by Pope Benedict XVI that he plans to visit Philadelphia in 2015 when it hosts the World Meeting of Families caused some local officials to say the visit might heal divisions caused by the clergy abuse scandals.

Benedict announced the visit during a Sunday Mass in Milan celebrating the seventh such gathering of families from around the world. The pope sent his greetings to Archbishop Charles Chaput and the Catholics "of that great city."

The pope's announcement comes as jurors in Philadelphia deliberate in the landmark trial of a former Roman Catholic church official charged with conspiring to hide priest-abuse complaints and endangering children by keeping predators in ministry.

Joseph Aponick, Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg spokesman, called the upcoming papal visit "a wonderful blessing" for the midstate.

"It's a great time of joy for people of many faiths to have the Holy Father come to our country," Aponick said. "I hope there is an opportunity for area midstate Catholics to see the Holy Father."