eChurch Christian Blog

Damian Thompson Telegraph:

Benedict XVI has just published a pastoral letter in which he says “I openly express shame and remorse” for the Irish paedophile clergy scandal – and announces “an Apostolic Visitation of certain dioceses in Ireland, as well as seminaries and religious congregations”.

Here is the full text the letter, seeking forgiveness for the abuse of children by Irish clergy and religious, and for the elaborate cover-ups that followed. It’s an unprecedented document, in which the Pope lets us see his anger at the gross crimes with which we are confronted. The visitation will be a grisly affair, I predict.

But the Pope has done the right thing. This is no half-hearted response. More later, when Cardinal Sean Brady has made up his mind whether to resign. (I think he should.)

PASTORAL LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE BENEDICT XVI

1. Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Church in Ireland, it is with great concern that I write to you as Pastor of the universal Church. Like yourselves, I have been deeply disturbed by the information which has come to light regarding the abuse of children and vulnerable young people by members of the Church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious. I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal that so many of you have experienced on learning of these sinful and criminal acts and the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them.

As you know, I recently invited the Irish bishops to a meeting here in Rome to give an account of their handling of these matters in the past and to outline the steps they have taken to respond to this grave situation. Together with senior officials of the Roman Curia, I listened to what they had to say, both individually and as a group, as they offered an analysis of mistakes made and lessons learned, and a description of the programmes and protocols now in place. Our discussions were frank and constructive. I am confident that, as a result, the bishops will now be in a stronger position to carry forward the work of repairing past injustices and confronting the broader issues associated with the abuse of minors in a way consonant with the demands of justice and the teachings of the Gospel.

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Further Links:

Telegraph – Whoops! The anti-Catholic Times jumps the gun over Pope’s letter

The Church Mouse – Reacting to the letter from the Pope to the Church in Ireland

Catholic News Service – Excerpts from the pope’s letter on sexual abuse

BBC – Pope Benedict XVI has apologised to victims of child sex abuse by Catholic priests in Ireland.

Telegraph – Pope Benedict XVI has issued a formal apology to the Irish victims of decades of sex abuse by Catholic priests.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols – Pastoral Letter for the 5th Sunday of Lent

Polycarp – Pope to sex abuse priests: Submit to ‘justice’ – Kudos to the Pontiff

National Catholic Reporter – 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.

chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it – “You must answer for it before Almighty God”

Catholic World News – Pope Benedict apologizes to Irish abuse victims, laments bishops’ failure to act, announces apostolic visitation

Christian Today – Pope Benedict XVI has apologised for the abuse of children by Irish priests in a pastoral letter to bishops in the Church of Ireland.

Andrew Brown Guardian – The pope produced a first class apology to the children of Ireland: simple, eloquent, and unambiguous:

Tags: Church Life, News

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