Pope Benedict moved in meeting with abuse victims, cardinal says

Published: 2008-04-28

BOSTON (CNS) -- Meeting victims of clergy sexual abuse at the papal nunciature in the nation's capital during his six-day U.S. visit was a moving experience for Pope Benedict XVI, said Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston. Speaking April 23 with The Pilot, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, Cardinal O'Malley said the meeting between the pope and victims from the Boston Archdiocese was important to both parties. "The many times he addressed the sexual abuse crisis (during the trip) indicate how deeply he understands the situation of our church and what happens here," the cardinal said. "He obviously feels a great sorrow over what has happened and that he is ashamed but, at the same time, wants to encourage us on the path to healing and reconciliation. I think it was important for the victims to feel as though they had access to the Holy Father," Cardinal O'Malley added. The meeting was arranged after the cardinal's original request that the pope include a stop in Boston during his trip was denied. Cardinal O'Malley then proposed a meeting with victims at another location and the Vatican approved.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .