Published: April 21, 2008 04:18 pm            

Comments by Pope on sex abuse important

By publicly acknowledging that he was deeply ashamed of the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI took an important step toward healing in the American church.

It began his five-day visit to the United States in a forceful and constructive way. He said that the church was working to identify potential pedophiles in its seminaries.

In 2002 it became apparent that officials within the Archdiocese of Boston had covered up reports of sexual misconduct by priests against children. The problem, however, was not confined to Boston — reports of abuse and cover-ups came from around the country and eventually the world.

It involved thousands of victims, accusations against about 5,000 priests, and more than $2 billion in legal settlements.

The scandal disrupted the connections between parish churches and many of the 64 million American Catholics. The pope appears determined now to help restore some of those connections.

Studies indicate that other religious and secular organizations that work with children have similar or higher percentages of sexual misconduct compared to the American Catholic Church.

Sexual abuse of children is a contemptible act that must be addressed wherever it occurs.

The pope’s assurances that the church will do so should also enable him to use his visit to pursue and highlight other significant issues as well.

These could include human rights, immigration, the fight against hunger, Africa and the problem of terrorism in the Muslim world.

The pope expressed particular interest, for example, in immigration rules that would enable families to be reunited.

The problem of separated families in some areas, he said, was “dangerous to the fabric — social, moral, human — of these countries.”

The pope also talked about fostering more economic development in poverty-stricken countries, a laudable goal that would promote greater stability and peace in the world.

These messages merit public attention during his visit.

— The Kansas City Star

        

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