WYD: Pope on sex abuse: 'I am deeply sorry'
By JOHN L. ALLEN JR.
Pope Benedict XVI today offered a direct apology for the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and religious, saying he is "deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," assuring them that "as their pastor, I share in their suffering."
The pope said that sexual abuse deserves ?unequivocal condemnation,? pointedly acknowledging the ?shame? and ?great pain? caused by the recent scandals in Catholicism. Twice, the pope referred to sexual abuse as an ?evil.?