And again...

In April 2008 this blogger first parsed Pope Benedict XVI's "apology" for the sexual abuse of children by the clergy, "Well Said?!?", and found it severely wanting... However in July of that year he did somewhat better... Subsequently the Church mis-stepped on several occasions (e.g. see the links below).

Now, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God, "... commented on the scandals of sexual abuse and cover-ups by church hierarchy in a pre-recorded video message for an outdoor Mass attended by 75,000 Catholics, many from overseas, in Ireland's largest sports stadium..." and outraged many by saying "How are we to explain the fact that people who regularly received the Lord's body and confessed their sins in the sacrament of Penance have offended in this way? It remains a mystery" (see Pope To Irish: Child Abuse By Clergy A 'Mystery' That Shook Faith).

Oh well, at least he has stopped blaming secularism for this and the world's many other ills!

Previous blog entries related to the Pope:
Random picture - Nov 4th, 2010
I name thee Constantine - Jul 8th, 2010
Failed Pope? - Apr 6th, 2012
Misc update - Mar 12th, 2010
Recividism (or, 'persiste et signe') - Oct 2nd, 2009
Great quotes - Sep 9th, 2009
Random pictures... - May 25th, 2009
No Papal benediction - Sep 30th, 2008
The danger we face - Sep 14th, 2008
Better the second time around - Jul 23rd, 2008
HH Tekel - Jun 17th, 2009
Well said ?!? - Apr 17th, 2008

Random picture

Source: Benoît XVI, un pape réac jusque dans son dressing.

I name thee Constantine

Let it not be said that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God, is anything but consistent.

Having multiple times inveighed against the evils of the silent apostasy of secularism (responsible, according to the Pope, for pedophilia, environmental degradation, global warming, and a host of other ills...), the Pope finds a new reason to despise the secular: Pope Benedict XVI Lashes Out at Secular Justice

Some previous related blog posts:
The danger we face - Sept 14th, 2008
Great quotes - Sept 5th, 2009
Manifesto... - Nov 28th, 2009

Failed Pope?

The blog entries listed below contained numerous examples of senior church leaders displaying a remarkable ability to have a "tin ear" and to put forth "defenses" that are beyond the pale, all in response to the growing child abuse scandal in the church. Well, the trend continues, as more and more information comes out some extremely stupid things have been said, see:

Maciel Disowned By His Own Cult
Pope has immunity in abuse trials: Vatican
Pope's preacher: Accusations akin to anti-Semitism
Cardinal defends pope, denounces "petty gossip"
Ratzinger And The Cases Of Father Teta And Father Trupia

... and in defense of the pontiff:

Pope Benedict XVI is part of the solution not the problem
Murphy Case: NYT Never Talked to Judge

Many have started calling for the resignation of the Pope. Of course this is something that is very unlikely, Pope Benedict was not elected but was chosen "by God". So, is Benedict a "failed Pope"? It's too early to write his obituary...

Helpless in the Vatican: The Failed Papacy of Benedict XVI

Previous blog entries related to the Pope:
Misc update - Mar 12th, 2010
Recividism (or, 'persiste et signe') - Oct 2nd, 2009
Random pictures... - May 25th, 2009
No Papal benediction - Sep 30th, 2008
The danger we face - Sep 14th, 2008
Better the second time around - Jul 23rd, 2008
HH Tekel - Jun 17th, 2009
Well said ?!? - Apr 17th, 2008

Misc update

The April 17th, 2008 blog entry 'Well Said?!?' parsed what passed as an "apology" for the church's sexual abuses of minors, made by Pope Benedict in Washington, D.C. The July 23rd, 2008 entry 'Better the second time around' judged the Pope's follow-up attempt in Australia more on point.

The June 17th 2008 entry 'HH Tekel' noted reports that Benedict was very close to a priest revealed as an abuser, and the October 2nd, 2009 entry 'Recidivism (or 'persiste et signe')' noted the "epic fail" when Archbishop Silvano Tomasi (the Vatican's permanent observer to the UN) defended the Church by claiming that clerical sex abuse of minors was a bigger issue with other denominations; that allegations had also being leveled against Protestants and against Jewish congregations; and that strictly speaking most of the abusers were not pedophiles but were ephebophiles...

Well, the Vatican just can't leave well enough alone. This week, in Ireland, the Bishop of Elphin, also head of the Bishops' Committee on the Family, attacked the press for focusing on the Catholic church when "... "95 percent of abuse out there is in families, communities and other institutions..." The Bishops also called for "... parishioners to place a sprig of palm on the altar at the service "to express the penitential mood of the day" for the cover-ups by bishops of the crimes of paedophile priests against innocent children..." Hmm, some true contrition there!

Meanwhile, information uncovered showed that an abusive priest in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising was allowed to resume his duties after therapy for suspected "sexual relations with boys," this while Ratzinger was the archbishop... (see 'Pope under fire for transfer, letter on sex abuse' and 'Church Abuse Scandal in Germany Edges Closer to Pope') Taint also hit the Pope's brother who, while denying that sexual abuse took place while he directed the Regensburg choir, apologized for indulging in corporal punishment of choir members.

The Pope's chief exorcist, who supposedly has dealt with over 70,000 demonic possessions, has said "... the Devil lodges in the Vatican. Naturally it is difficult to find proof, but you can see the consequences..." which apparently include "... cardinals who do not believe in Jesus, bishops who are linked to the demon. When one speaks of 'the smoke of Satan' in the holy rooms, it is all true. Including these latest stories of violence and paedophilia". Hmm, given the sexual abuse of minors that took place over years in countries across the world, perhaps finally a statement with an element of truth to it!

Recividism (or, 'persiste et signe')

In April 2008 His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, 'Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God' visited the United States. His first attempt at apologizing for the 'clergy abuse of children' scandal was weak and hedged (see 'Well Said?!?') with excuses. It was rightly panned by many...

Not long after this a documentary on a particular pedophile Catholic priest documented that Benedict had known ('HH Tekel') re his activities for years....

On a visit to Australia the Pope's second, follow-up attempt at an apology was significantly better (see 'Better the second time around'), and it was universally felt that this possibly was the beginning of the healing process related to this blight on the Catholic church...

Fast forward to the present. In response to criticisms of its covering up of child abuse by a representative of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, the Holy See released a statement in its defense (sort of). "Sex abuse rife in other religions, says Vatican" reports the response.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's permanent observer to the UN, defended the Catholic Church's record. He read out a statement saying that the Catholic Church is "busy cleaning its own house." He suggested that the issue of clerical sex abuse of minors is as big (if not bigger) an issue in other denominations, and that allegations had also being leveled against Protestants, and against Jewish congregations. He emphasized the (artificial? ) distinction that most of the abusers were not pedophiles but were ephebophiles (i.e. homosexuals attracted to adolescent males), "Of all priests involved in the abuses, 80 to 90% belong to this sexual orientation minority which is sexually engaged with adolescent boys between the ages of 11 and 17. He ended, "As the Catholic church has been busy cleaning its own house, it would be good if other institutions and authorities, where the major part of abuses are reported, could do the same and inform the media about it."

Wow, as one might say today, epic fail!

Great quotes...

"We are coming to the end of the month of August, which for many means the end of the summer holidays. As we return to our daily activities, how can we not thank God for the precious gift of creation, which we can enjoy not only during the period of vacations! The different phenomena of environmental degradation and natural calamities, which unfortunately are often reported in the news, remind us of the urgency of the respect owed to nature, recovering and appreciating, in every day life, a correct relation with the environment. A new sensitivity to these topics is being developed, which arouses the correct concern of the authorities and of public opinion, which is also expressed in the multiplication of meetings at the international level...

... the Church is not only committed to the promotion of the defense of the earth, of water and of air, given by the Creator to everyone, but above all is committed to protect man from the destruction of himself. In fact, "when 'human ecology' is respected in society, environmental ecology also benefits" Is it not true that inconsiderate use of creation begins where God is marginalized or also where is existence is denied? If the human creature's relationship with the Creator weakens, matter is reduced to egoistic possession, man becomes the "final authority," and the objective of existence is reduced to a feverish race to possess the most possible.

How important it is, therefore, that the international community and the different governments be able to give the appropriate indications to their own citizens to address in an effective manner the ways of utilizing the environment that turn out to be harmful. The economic and social costs stemming from the use of shared environmental resources, recognized in a transparent way, must be assumed by those who use them, and not by other populations or by future generations. Protection of the environment and the safeguarding of the resources and climate call for all leaders to act jointly, respecting the law and promoting solidarity, above all in the weaker regions of the earth...

With these sentiments I wish to encourage all the participants in the United Nations summit to enter into their discussions constructively and with generous courage. Indeed, we are all called to exercise responsible stewardship of creation, to use resources in such a way that every individual and community can live with dignity, and to develop "that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God"

- Pope Benedict XVI's address at a general audience at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. Full transcript here.

Well, he's nothing if not consistent! He usually has secularism and atheism in his sights (e.g. see: Papal Letter Blames Atheism for World's Worst Woes), and this time they are implied to be responsible for climate change and the degradation of the environment.

Pope: Atheists are Responsible for Global Warming
Pope: Atheism weakens committment to human rights
Pope Connects Abuse of Creation With Atheism

Previous blog entries related to the Pope:
Random pictures... - May 25th, 2009
No Papal benediction - Sep 30th, 2008
The danger we face - Sep 14th, 2008
Better the second time around - Jul 23rd, 2008
HH Tekel - Jun 17th, 2009
Well said ?!? - Apr 17th, 2008

Random pictures...

Couple of photos from the Pope's recent visit to Israel... showing two extremes...

No papal benediction...

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, and Servant of the Servants of God, has rejected French President Sarkozy's nomination of Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge as French ambassador to the Vatican. This, en raison de son « profil personnel » - because of his "personal profile" i.e. because the gentleman is an open homosexual in a committed relationship. This has caused quite a kerfuffle and allegations of bigotry on the Pope's part. An article (my translation inserted in green):

Recherche ambassadeur hétéro et monogame (Looking for a heterosexual monogamous ambassador)

Le poste est vacant. Depuis près d’un an, l’ambassade française au Vatican est comme un navire sans capitaine. Mais pourquoi? C’est qu’on peine à trouver le profil adéquat.

The position is open. For almost a year the French embassy to the Vatican has been like a ship without a captain. But why? It is because it is difficult to find a suitable candidate.

Max Gallo avait été approché, mais il a décliné cette proposition. Une deuxième personne avait été pressentie, mais c’était un homme trois fois marié et deux fois divorcé, chose inacceptable pour le Saint-Siège. Une troisième candidature a été envisagée: il s’agit de Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge. Mais on attend encore le placet du Vatican, qui ne semble pas pressé de l’accorder. Il semblerait que le monsieur déplaise en haut lieu. Si catholique soit-il, il a le malheur d’être homosexuel déclaré, ce qui semble chagriner le souverain Pontiff.

Max Gallo had been approached, but he declined the proposal. A second person had been thought of, but it was a thrice-married, twice divorced man, something unacceptable to the Holy See. A third candidate was considered, we’re talking about Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge. However, one still awaits the assent of the Vatican, which does not seem in a hurry to grant it. It would seem that the he displeases (people) in high place. Even though he is Catholic, he has the misfortune of being a declared homosexual, something which seems to chagrin the Sovereign Pontiff.

Heureux comme Dieu en France, dit le proverbe; malheureux comme Benoît à Paris, faudrait-il ajouter. Récemment, en effet, le pauvre homme a été accueilli par un président de la République, trois fois marié et deux fois divorcé. Le pape a dû ensuite saluer Carla Bruni, dont le passé n’a pas toujours été très catholique. Pire encore, il a du faire face à Bertrand Delanoë, homosexuel notoire, hélas, et maire de Paris. Pauvre Benoît, et le gouvernement français voudrait encore lui imposer un ambassadeur comme Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge! Trop, c’est trop! Il faudrait donc une personnalité qui corresponde au poste. L’agence de presse italienne AGI a publié un article intitulé: «On ne trouve pas d’ambassadeur hétéro et monogame». Mais oui, car être hétérosexuel et monogame est une compétence fondamentale pour exercer ce noble métier d’ambassadeur.

Happy like God in France, says the proverb; unhappy as Benedict in Paris, we need to add. Recently, indeed, the poor fellow (Benedict) was greeted by a president of the Republic; himself three times married and twice divorced. The Pope then had to greet Carla Bruni, whose past has not always been very catholic. Even worse, he (Benedict) had to deal face-to-face with Bertrand Delanoë, notorious homosexual, alas, and mayor of Paris. Poor Benedict and now the French government wants to impose on him an ambassador such as Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge! Too much, it is too much! One needs a personality that fits the position. The Italian news agency ACTED published an article headlined: “One can’t find a heterosexual and monogamous ambassador.” But of course, being heterosexual and monogamous is a fundamental requirement to exercise the noble trade of ambassador.

Le 4 août 1992, M. Ratzinger, pas encore pape à l’époque, avait co-signé avec Jean-Paul II dans l’Osservatore romano un article intitulé Certaines considérations concernant la réponse à des propositions de loi sur la non-discrimination des personnes homosexuelles. Ayant pris leur plus belle plume, tous deux affirmaient sans ambages:
«Dans certains domaines, tenir compte de la tendance sexuelle n’est pas une discrimination injuste, par exemple dans le placement des enfants à adopter ou leur mise en garde, dans l’engagement d’enseignants et d’entraîneurs sportifs et dans le recrutement militaire.»

On August 4, 1992, Mr. Ratzinger, not yet pope at the time, had co-signed with Jean-Paul II in the Osservatore Romano newspaper an article titled “Certain considerations in answer to laws on non-discrimination against homosexuals”. Having taken their best pens, both affirmed without ambiguity: “In certain fields, taking account of a person’s sexual tendency is not an unjust discrimination, for example in the placement of children for adoption or their being place on guard, in the hiring of teachers and sports trainers and in military recruitment.”

Ainsi, en lisant ces lignes, nous comprenons qu’il y a des «discriminations injustes» et d’autres qui sont justes. Donc, depuis 1992, pour le Vatican, l’hétérosexualité est une condition requise pour adopter, bien sûr, mais aussi pour être entraîneur sportif, militaire, et même pour enseigner. Par ailleurs, depuis 2005, le Vatican a aussi affirmé qu’il était nécessaire d’être hétérosexuel pour devenir prêtre. Depuis quelques jours, nous comprenons aussi qu’il faut être hétérosexuel pour devenir ambassadeur au Saint-Siège. Plutôt que de donner les informations de manière progressive, Benoît XVI devrait publier une fois pour toutes la liste exhaustive des emplois réservés aux hétérosexuels. Nous l’attendons tous avec impatience…

Thus, on reading these lines, we understand that there are “unjust discriminations” and others which are just. Thus, since 1992, for the Vatican heterosexuality is a requirement to adopt, of course, but also to be a sports trainer, to join the military, and even to teach. In addition, since 2005 the Vatican has also affirmed that it is necessary to be heterosexual in order to become a priest. Since the last few days we now understand that it is also necessary to be heterosexual to become ambassador to the Holy See. Rather than giving out the information bit by bit, Benedict XVI should for once and all publish an exhaustive list of the jobs reserved for heterosexuals. We all await this impatiently…

Also:
Diplomático y militante gay es rechazado por el Vaticano como embajador de Francia
Deux candidats pour un (Saint) siège

Previous posts referencing the Pope:
The danger we face - September 17th
HH Tekel - June 17th
One version permitted #1 - April 19th
Well said?!? - April 17th

The danger we face...

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God is visiting France September 12th to 15th, the occasion being the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

Another opportunity for the Pope to continue his crusade against that ultimate danger facing the church the world... the silent apostasy of secularism. Yeah, right.

Some news paper headlines during his visit: 'At least 14 dead in a series of militant Islamic bombs in New Delhi'; 'A Palestinian teen killed by Israeli fire'; 'Four members of Iraqi TV kidnapped and killed in Mosul'; 'At least 82 dead in Cairo collapse'; 'At least four dead and eight wounded in an explosion in Baghdad'; 'At least six Kurdish fighters killed by an explosion'; 'Death of an Iraqi detainee: start of proceedings against an American sergeant'; 'Hurricane Ike hits the Texas coast, menacing all those who stayed'; 'Georgia; 5 camps closed: the Russian troops leave for Abkhazia'; and 'An Israeli infant stabbed by a Palestinian.'

Apostolic Journey to France
In Paris, pope reminds Europe of its religious roots
Pope Addresses Secularism in France
"God's Choice" Translation Released Ahead of Pope's Visit

Previous posts re the pope:

HH Tekel - June 17th
Well said?!? - April 17th

Better the second time around

Well Said?!? dated April 17th parsed Pope Benedict’s U.S. apology for clerical sexual abuse of minors and found it less than optimal. Last week the Pope issued another apology, this time while visiting Australia. It was a much better apology, without the hedging in his previous effort.

“Here I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country. Indeed I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them that, as their pastor, I too share in their suffering. These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation. They have caused great pain and have damaged the Church's witness.

I ask all of you to support and assist your bishops, and to work together with them in combating this evil. Victims should receive compassion and care, and those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice. It is an urgent priority to promote a safer and more wholesome environment, especially for young people. In these days marked by the celebration of World Youth Day, we are reminded of how precious a treasure has been entrusted to us in our young people, and how great a part of the Church's mission in this country has been dedicated to their education and care.

As the Church in Australia continues, in the spirit of the Gospel, to address effectively this serious pastoral challenge, I join you in praying that this time of purification will bring about healing, reconciliation and ever greater fidelity to the moral demands of the Gospel.

I wish now to turn to the seminarians and young religious in our midst, with a special word of affection and encouragement. Dear friends: with great generosity you have set out on a particular path of consecration, grounded in your Baptism and undertaken in response to the Lord's personal call. You have committed
yourselves, in different ways, to accepting Christ's invitation to follow him, to leave all behind, and to devote your lives to the pursuit of holiness and the service of his people. "

Even so, some were not satisfied... "Anthony Foster, the father of two Australian girls who were allegedly raped by a Catholic priest as children, has been publicly seeking a meeting with Benedict during his visit. He said he was disappointed the pope's remarks repeated the church's expressions of regret but offered no practical assistance for victims. "What we haven't had is an unequivocal, unlimited practical response that provides for all the victims for their lifetime," he said. "The practical response needs to include both financial help ... and psychological help."

Full text of pope's sex abuse apology
Pope apologizes for clergy sexual abuse

HH Tekel

In April this blogger parsed Pope Benedict XVI's "apology" for the sexual abuse of children by the clergy, "Well Said?!?", and found it wanting....

Now apparently a documentary on Father Marcial Maciel looks at a particular pedophile... Quote (from The Daily Dish) "... More to the point: Maciel's abuse was known to Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI for years, and they did nothing about it. The Maciel case is important because it reveals the current and former Pope to be knowing, conscious protectors of a child abuser and shows how the sick sexual dysfunction at the heart of the Catholic hierarchy was abetted and fomented at the very, very top...."

Benedict, John Paul II, And Child Abuse

Well Said ?!?

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God is visiting the United States. Yesterday he spoke at a prayer service with U.S. bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, where among other subjects he addressed the issue of the sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy.

Part of his remarks included the following (complete transcript of remarks here).

"Among the countersigns to the Gospel of life found in America and elsewhere is one that causes deep shame: the sexual abuse of minors. Many of you have spoken to me of the enormous pain that your communities have suffered when clerics have betrayed their priestly obligations and duties by such gravely immoral behavior. As you strive to eliminate this evil wherever it occurs, you may be assured of the prayerful support of God's people throughout the world. Rightly, you attach priority to showing compassion and care to the victims. It is your God-given responsibility as pastors to bind up the wounds caused by every breach of trust, to foster healing, to promote reconciliation and to reach out with loving concern to those so seriously wronged.

Responding to this situation has not been easy and, as the President of your Episcopal Conference has indicated, it was "sometimes very badly handled". Now that the scale and gravity of the problem is more clearly understood, you have been able to adopt more focused remedial and disciplinary measures and to promote a safe environment that gives greater protection to young people. While it must be remembered that the overwhelming majority of clergy and religious in America do outstanding work in bringing the liberating message of the Gospel to the people entrusted to their care, it is vitally important that the vulnerable always be shielded from those who would cause harm. In this regard, your efforts to heal and protect are bearing great fruit not only for those directly under your pastoral care, but for all of society.

If they are to achieve their full purpose, however, the policies and programs you have adopted need to be placed in a wider context. Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships. They should be spared the degrading manifestations and the crude manipulation of sexuality so prevalent today. They have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person. This brings us back to our consideration of the centrality of the family and the need to promote the Gospel of life. What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available today? We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society, so that a sound moral formation can be offered to young people and adults alike. All have a part to play in this task — not only parents, religious leaders, teachers and catechists, but the media and entertainment industries as well. Indeed, every member of society can contribute to this moral renewal and benefit from it. Truly caring about young people and the future of our civilization means recognizing our responsibility to promote and live by the authentic moral values which alone enable the human person to flourish. It falls to you, as pastors modelled upon Christ, the Good Shepherd, to proclaim this message loud and clear, and thus to address the sin of abuse within the wider context of sexual mores. Moreover, by acknowledging and confronting the problem when it occurs in an ecclesial setting, you can give a lead to others, since this scourge is found not only within your Dioceses, but in every sector of society. It calls for a determined, collective response.

Priests, too, need your guidance and closeness during this difficult time. They have experienced shame over what has occurred, and there are those who feel they have lost some of the trust and esteem they once enjoyed. Not a few are experiencing a closeness to Christ in his Passion as they struggle to come to terms with the consequences of the crisis. The Bishop, as father, brother and friend of his priests, can help them to draw spiritual fruit from this union with Christ by making them aware of the Lord's consoling presence in the midst of their suffering, and by encouraging them to walk with the Lord along the path of hope (cf. Spe Salvi, 39). As Pope John Paul II observed six years ago, "we must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community", leading to "a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate and a holier Church" (Address to the Cardinals of the United States, 23 April 2002, 4). There are many signs that, during the intervening period, such purification has indeed been taking place. Christ's abiding presence in the midst of our suffering is gradually transforming our darkness into light: all things are indeed being made new in Christ Jesus our hope.

At this stage a vital part of your task is to strengthen relationships with your clergy, especially in those cases where tension has arisen between priests and their bishops in the wake of the crisis. It is important that you continue to show them your concern, to support them, and to lead by example. In this way you will surely help them to encounter the living God, and point them towards the life-transforming hope of which the Gospel speaks. If you yourselves live in a manner closely configured to Christ, the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, you will inspire your brother priests to rededicate themselves to the service of their flocks with Christ-like generosity. Indeed a clearer focus upon the imitation of Christ in holiness of life is exactly what is needed in order for us to move forward. We need to rediscover the joy of living a Christ-centred life, cultivating the virtues, and immersing ourselves in prayer. When the faithful know that their pastor is a man who prays and who dedicates his life to serving them, they respond with warmth and affection which nourishes and sustains the life of the whole community."

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI decried the sexual abuse of children by the clergy and exhorted the gathered bishops to heal wounds and proclaim the message of Christ. He later met privately with a number of sexual abuse victims (see CNN’s “Sexual abuse victims describe frank meeting with Pope”), and they had very positive things to say after the meeting. So, it is to be hoped that this matter will be taken care of expeditiously going forward. However, a close reading of his speech to the bishops shows that in many respects he deviated from some of the elements that are considered to make up part of a “good apology” e.g. see HBS’s “The Art of the Apology." His Holiness the Pope may not have meant some of it this way, but a) he is very precise in what he says and uses words very carefully, and, b) it wouldn’t be much of a stretch for a victim of clergy abuse to take pause at some of his language, for example:

• “… in America and elsewhere…” => this is something (regrettable) which happens everywhere (repeated further, see below)
  

• “… as the President of your Episcopal Conference has indicated, it was "sometimes very badly handled”…” => the Pope did not say that clergy sexual abuse of minors had been handled badly, as reported by most news outlets. He said that he had been told that by the President of the Episcopal Conference…
  

• “… Now that the scale and gravity of the problem is more clearly understood…” => could be taken as minimizing or excusing the U.S. Catholic Church hierarchy’s slowness to acknowledge the problem and to act more forthrightly to prevent further occurrences…
  

• “… the overwhelming majority of clergy and religious in America do outstanding work…” => completely true, but again could be construed as the “few bad apples” defense (a la Abu Ghraib) .
  

• “… need to be placed in a wider context…” having ‘apologized’ in the next breath the Pope appears to tie the abuse to the wider societal context, not so much as a ‘we also have this problem outside the clergy and need to do something there too’ argument, but more in the nature of ‘this wicked society is somewhat to blame.’ This suggested link is strengthened by further words, e.g. “… What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available today? We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society, & and thus to address the sin of abuse within the wider context of sexual mores….”
  

• “… you can give a lead to others, since this scourge is found not only within your Dioceses, but in every sector of society…” Repeat of the ‘this is something regrettable which happens everywhere’ meme (see first bullet above)
  

Individually each of these could be put down to nit-picking. However in aggregate we have an ‘apology’ that a) distances the Pope from the issue - by saying "you", "your", etc. rather than "we", "our", etc. His words put the onus for this on the U.S. bishops, though they are all inseparable parts of the body of Christ, and b) seems to seek to minimize this in many regards (this happens everywhere, it’s a few bad apples, society is wicked, you need to do something). It’s great that the Pope has gone this far, but there still a way to go!