Pope to sex abuse victims: 'I am truly sorry' [John Allen]

[Catholic_Press]

Article Details Benedict writes pastoral letter to the Catholics of Ireland

                                In his most comprehensive statement yet on the sexual abuse crisis, Pope Benedict XVI has apologized to victims, called on abuser priests to tell the truth, and charged bishops to cooperate with civil authorities. The pope also announced plans for a Vatican-sponsored investigation of Irish dioceses, seminaries and religious orders, in response to the massive national scandal that has gripped that once ultra-Catholic nation.        
    

                                http://ncronline.org/files/Ireland_letter.jpg?1269030210        
    

                                A child shakes hands with Cardinal Sean Brady following St. Patrick's Day Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Northern Ireland, March 17. (CNS photo/Cathal McNaughton, Reuters)

In his most comprehensive statement yet on the sexual abuse crisis, Pope Benedict XVI has apologized to victims, called on abuser priests to tell the truth, and charged bishops to cooperate with civil authorities.

The pope also announced plans for a Vatican-sponsored investigation of Irish dioceses, seminaries and religious orders, in response to the massive national scandal that has gripped that once ultra-Catholic nation since release of a government-sponsored inquiry into sex abuse in church-sponsored institutions in the Dublin archdiocese late last year.

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[tweetymom]

Too little to late

 

[Image_of_God]

Too little to late

I’m sorry that I will say this, but I feel I must.

You have told us not infrequently that you were abused in the past. This is something I cannot begin to understand. But I am aware of the pain and misery it must have caused you all these years. It must feel almost like your life was taken from you.

Nevertheless, I have been observing your posts and it seems to me that you still possess much bitterness about your previous experience. Of course I don’t know for sure, but it certainly seems that way. And, if that is the case, it is certainly understandable and I sympathize greatly. But, I think what we are dealing with in this abuse scandal, however detestable it is, is a very, very, complex issue. It is not as simple as victims vs. abusers and those who covered them up. There are a variety of motives and situations involved. We must be careful that justice is rendered for the victims and at the same time make sure that no one is incorrectly prosecuted. Being falsely accused of child abuse is a horrible experience (probably not equal to the horror of being abused, though).

The scandal is nothing less that horrific and needs to be corrected. However, we need to be prudent. It is too easy to jump at one person and accuse, but if those allegations are false it is more difficult to apologize (I know of this). Let us earnestly desire that justice be rendered, but let us be patient and prudent as well.

 

[tweetymom]

I’m sorry that I will say this, but I feel I must.

You have told us not infrequently that you were abused in the past. This is something I cannot begin to understand. But I am aware of the pain and misery it must have caused you all these years. It must feel almost like your life was taken from you.

Nevertheless, I have been observing your posts and it seems to me that you still possess much bitterness about your previous experience. Of course I don’t know for sure, but it certainly seems that way. And, if that is the case, it is certainly understandable and I sympathize greatly. But, I think what we are dealing with in this abuse scandal, however detestable it is, is a very, very, complex issue. It is not as simple as victims vs. abusers and those who covered them up. There are a variety of motives and situations involved. We must be careful that justice is rendered for the victims and at the same time make sure that no one is incorrectly prosecuted. Being falsely accused of child abuse is a horrible experience (probably not equal to the horror of being abused, though).

The scandal is nothing less that horrific and needs to be corrected. However, we need to be prudent. It is too easy to jump at one person and accuse, but if those allegations are false it is more difficult to apologize (I know of this). Let us earnestly desire that justice be rendered, but let us be patient and prudent as well.

You know what I still feel bitterness when it continues to be there. Yes unless you have been there , there is no way you know the evilness. I just wish the Pope would show actions.

 

[Image_of_God]

You know what I still feel bitterness when it continues to be there. Yes unless you have been there , there is no way you know the evilness. I just wish the Pope would show actions.

If you want to see what the Pope has done for abuse cases, you probably will not find it through new reports. The people who write them probably do not cover them. It is a good sign that the Vatican will be taking direct control over the Irish abuse cases.

 

[tweetymom]

If you want to see what the Pope has done for abuse cases, you probably will not find it through new reports. The people who write them probably do not cover them. It is a good sign that the Vatican will be taking direct control over the Irish abuse cases.

I certainally hope so.

 

[Eric_Hilbert]

Let’s stick to the article and cease from personal remarks.
Thank you.