Former Pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
The first pope to take serious action against abuse, Benedict repeatedly apologised for the Church's failure to root out sexual abuse of children by clergy after the efforts failed to halt a rapid decline in church attendance in the West, especially in Europe.
In 2022, an independent report in his native Germany alleged that Benedict had failed to take action in four abuse cases when he was Archbishop of Munich between 1977-1982.
Shaken by the report, he acknowledged in an emotional personal letter that errors had occurred and asked for forgiveness. His lawyers argued in a detailed rebuttal that he was not directly to blame.
One of the most prominent organisations for the survivors of sex abuse by Catholic clergy, SNAP, said: "In our view, Pope Benedict XVI, much like John Paul II, was more concerned about the church’s deteriorating image and financial flow to the hierarchy (than) grasping the concept of genuine apologies followed by true amends to victims of abuse.
"The rot of clergy sexual abuse of children and adults, including their own nuns and seminarians, runs throughout the Catholic church, to every country.
"Any celebration that marks the life of abuse enablers like Pope Benedict must end. It is time for the Vatican to refocus on change: tell the truth about known abusive clergy, protect children and adults, and allow justice to those who have been hurt."
Responding to news of Benedict's death, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, said: “Joining dear companions in the Catholic Church as we all give thanks for the life and witness of Pope Benedict, and commend him to the God he served so faithfully, praying, as ever, for the unity of God’s church, and for the souls of all the faithful departed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
[ad_2] https://news.winestle.com/2022/12/31/former-pope-benedict-xvi-dies-aged-95/?feed_id=214420&_unique_id=63b12b4bbd0f7
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment