The Pope issued a very understanding, concerned and loving letter to Catholics in Ireland after a great deal of pain and suffering caused by the clergy sex abuse scandal in that country.
With no stone left unturned, the Pope is showing his solidarity with victims and taking steps to ensure there are no more. He says, "You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have endured."
The Pope notes that throughout the years, he has sat with victims, spoken to them, tried to understand them. I was watching CNN one day about the Pope's visit to America. There were 3 victims of sex abuse who met with him. They said he was truly on their side and that he showed great concern. One of the victims said the Pope is a truly good man.
The pope, in this letter, also addresses priests who have abused children by saying "You betrayed the trust that was placed in you by innocent young people and their parents, and you must answer for it before Almighty God and before properly constituted tribunals."
The pope also addresses parents, children, and priests and religious.
I suggest anyone read the Pope's letter.
For the official English translation, please go to: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20100319_church-ireland_en.html
The Irish want the Church out of positions of authority in civil life, public education, social welfare or any form of official governance. They want marriage, the family, family planning and abortion secularized.
ReplyDeleteThey will do it whether the Pope goes along or not. It will just take a little more time.
This is what the Pope is refusing to do. This is why the people are disappointed.
The Pope is full of shit. If he really cared, he would get his terrible organization out of the lives of the Irish people, and simply allow the people to opt into having his organization in their lives. Rather than having it forced into their lives, as it is now.
ReplyDeleteThe rape of children in Ireland and across the world will continue as long as the terrible organization, which calls itself the catholic church, is allowed to remain.
If the pope truly cared, he would be leading the charge to prosecute these animals. It's ridiculous that he is being praised for anything less. Religious apologists need to stand side by side with the secular in this matter. Children were raped. We have laws against that and punishment for those who break them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7075237.ece
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/24/pope-sexual-abuse-lawrence-murphy_n_512483.html
Yeah, the Pope really cares.