Pope calls sex abuse scandal 'terrifying'
LISBON, Portugal (UPI) -- The Roman Catholic Church is more persecuted by "sin in the church," Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday, discussing the sexual abuse scandals.
The pope talked to reporters during a flight from Rome to Lisbon, The New York Times reported. He plans to spend four days in Portugal, including a visit to the shrine at Fatima to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the beatification of two shepherd children who had a vision there of the Virgin Mary.
"This we have always known, but today we see it in a really terrifying way, that the greatest persecution of the church does not come from the enemies outside but is born from the sin in the church," he added. "The church has a profound need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn on the one hand forgiveness but also the necessity of justice. And forgiveness does not substitute justice."
Benedict's statements contrasted with those made recently by some Vatican officials accusing the news media of exaggerating the problem of clerical abuse by children.
The pope also discussed economic justice, an important issue in Portugal, which has been hit hard by the financial crisis.
The pope talked to reporters during a flight from Rome to Lisbon, The New York Times reported. He plans to spend four days in Portugal, including a visit to the shrine at Fatima to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the beatification of two shepherd children who had a vision there of the Virgin Mary.
"This we have always known, but today we see it in a really terrifying way, that the greatest persecution of the church does not come from the enemies outside but is born from the sin in the church," he added. "The church has a profound need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn on the one hand forgiveness but also the necessity of justice. And forgiveness does not substitute justice."
Benedict's statements contrasted with those made recently by some Vatican officials accusing the news media of exaggerating the problem of clerical abuse by children.
The pope also discussed economic justice, an important issue in Portugal, which has been hit hard by the financial crisis.
Comment------------------We agree with the Pope-----------
Do not hid it, find it ,fix it - that is leadership . Our local paper has illustrated that the breach of trust rot and the pain that it creates is unfortunately everywhere . Let us acknowledge that ex priest Mackan did wrong . That the victim suffered greatly and that we as righteous Catholics and good people apologize for the suffering caused.
The victim has been fairly and "justly " compensated . The cause of suffering removed from church authority and with disgrace . We apologize but it is now time to move on in the renewal process for everyone's good, including that of the victim of the abuse
- S Holle personally and as Grand Knight 9262
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