For Victims, Pope's Apology Falls Short

Catholic Church Asks for Forgiveness for Decades of Worldwide Sex Abuse, but Doesn't Admit Cover-Ups or Impose Any Penalties

(CBS)  In a letter read Sunday to Irish Catholics, Pope Benedict apologized to victims of child sex abuse by members of the clergy. But for many victims in Ireland and other countries, the pope's words rang hollow, as CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports.

At a time when his every word is being analyzed, Pope Benedict's message at his appearance in Rome Sunday was full of religious code but made no direct reference to the child abuse scandal now rocking the Catholic Church.

Instead he prayed for forgiveness, saying, "Trusting in His great mercy towards us, we humbly beg His forgiveness for our own failings."

But forgiveness was not on the minds of many of the faithful in Ireland where the Pope's open letter on child abuse in the Irish Church was read before congregations today.

The letter speaks of "shame and remorse" for the thousands of cases of abuse that have now been documented in Ireland. And it talks of "sinful and criminal acts," but it does not call for the resignation of those who committed the abuse - or those in the church hierarchy who covered it up.

"To us bishops, he says we admit that 'grave errors of judgment were made, and failures of leadership occurred,' which have 'seriously undermined our credibility and effectiveness,'" said Archbishop Sean Brady, head of Irish Catholic Church.

Archbishop Brady admits he himself made two children sign documents promising to keep the abuse they suffered secret. But he has so far not succumbed to calls for him to resign.

And it is resignations that are being demanded by people like Andrew Madden, who was molested repeatedly by a priest when he was a child.

"Most importantly the Pope has not acknowledged in any way the role of the Catholic Church in covering up the sexual abuse of children," Madden said.

The Church abuse scandal has now spread from Ireland right across Europe through the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Pope's home country of Germany, where abuse occurred while he was a bishop there. New allegations from South America have added to the earlier scandals that so unsettled the church in the U.S. and Canada.

And for many, the remorse being expressed in Rome is not enough.

[pdpie]

pray the rosary,.....r u crazy. Jesus Himself in Matthew said not to use vain repitions as the heathen do, rather go to your closet and pray to the Father. no where in Holy Scripture does it even suggest praying to mary, all, again all prayer is directed to the Father.

[GreenGestalt]

They actually "De-Frocked" two priests overnight and told them they were ex-communicated and they'd have to basically pray and kiss up for ten years just for the kingdom, and it was unlikely they'd ever be priests again...


Guess what they did...?


They "Fornicated" with ADULT WOMEN... One was a poorly planned attempted rape in NYC. The other was a "Secret" marriage the tabloids caught onto...


But, there is some good to all this...
Did you know there have been far less claims of "Demonic Possession" than in decades, certainly centuries before?

I reckon I know why: The Devils are afraid of being molested by priests!


Really, one thing they warred with the Increate and were cast down... That's bad enough (to say the least!) would one want to add to their pain by being in a child's body tied to a bed alone with a PRIEST!?

[saneObserver]

How does a person of faith put a document in front of a kid that's been abused making them promise to keep it a secret? Somehow I don't see Jesus doing that. He might have given a damn about the kid. Seems like someone was a little drunk with worldly power.

[ChuBa_Sushimoto]

by practicaladvice March 22, 2010 1:44 AM EDT
...What are you all waiting for?

What are we waiting for?

[johndevinejr]

The Catholic Church has been enabling pedophiles for 30 years. When the individual is caught he confesses his sin, is absovlved and sent to a different parish where he will have access to additional children and his previous acts will be hidden.

If the Catholics had any morals they would turn these criminals over to police, because what they do is a crime. Those Bishops and Cardinals who aid and abet these criminal, acts should also be subject to the law. Just because they say they are nice holy people doesn't make it so.

If any other person did these things they would be sitting in a cell so fast their heads would spin. Why are these people treated differently?

[mjb89]

I agree. This whole thing is ridiculous.

[formrusmcsgt]

..but it does not call for the resignation of those who committed the abuse - or those in the church hierarchy who covered it up.
----
Says it all.

[practicaladvice]

Why don't the parisoners take back the church and replace the corrupt heiarchy? Why is everyone letting these priests, bishops, the Pope etc get away with these outrageous cover-ups for who knows how many centuries? These papal perverts were the rejects who stood in the dark corner like outcasts when they were growing up and then joined the priesthood and have created a cloistered cess pool over the years. Then they demand donations so that they could live financially secure lives while abusing the children of the church? What are you all waiting for?

[fatboy5255]

PRAY THE ROSARY, MY CHILDREN . TURN INWARD, FOR GOD IS WITHIN YOU!!!

[SUEZQueen]

I'M PrAYING FOR THE FATHERS MISTAKES.. THaINK NOT LIKE THAT CARoL

[SUEZQueen]

TwO old popes what does it take to be such one PERSON