Pope Benedict XVI has told Australians he is deeply sorry for the sexual abuse of children by some Catholic priests.
Pope Benedict XVI has told Australians he is deeply sorry for the sexual abuse of children by some Catholic priests.
Speaking at a gathering of bishops during his visit to Australia, the Pope spoke of the "shame we have all felt" and called for abusers to face justice.
Speaking at a gathering of bishops during his visit to Australia, the Pope spoke of the "shame we have all felt" and called for abusers to face justice.
He said the deeds of abusive clergymen were a great betrayal of trust, which damaged the Catholic Church.
He said the deeds of abusive clergymen were a great betrayal of trust, which damaged the Catholic Church.
A campaign group has criticised the speech, saying the Pope should have met some victims to apologise in person.
A campaign group has criticised the speech, saying the Pope should have met some victims to apologise in person.
'Misdeeds'
'Misdeeds'
"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," the Pope said, speaking at a cathedral in Sydney.
"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," the Pope said, speaking at a cathedral in Sydney.
"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation," he said.
"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation," he said.
"Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."
"Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."
But the main support group for victims of church-related sexual abuse, Broken Rites, called the apology shallow.
But the main support group for victims of church-related sexual abuse, Broken Rites, called the apology shallow.
The group, which says there have been 107 convictions against Catholic clergymen on sex charges in Australia, had wanted the Pope to meet some of the victims in person.
The group, which says there have been 107 convictions against Catholic clergymen on sex charges in Australia, had wanted the Pope to meet some of the victims in person.
The BBC's Nick Bryant, in Sydney, says victims have complained that the Church in Australia has tried to stall compensation claims and cover up certain cases.
The BBC's Nick Bryant, in Sydney, says victims have complained that the Church in Australia has tried to stall compensation claims and cover up certain cases.
The Pope is visiting Australia to mark World Youth Day, which is drawing Catholics from around the world to the country.
The Pope is visiting Australia to mark World Youth Day, which is drawing Catholics from around the world to the country.
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