Contrition

Pope Apologizes for Sex Abuse Scandal

Letter addresses "serious mistakes" about Irish clergy.

With outrage still fresh over recent allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Ireland, Pope Benedict XVI apologized in an open letter, referring to “serious mistakes” and telling victims “you have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry.” His statement is the first time that the Vatican has publicly commented on abuse of children within the church and the pope wrote that those accused of pedophilia must “answer before God and properly constituted tribunals for the sinful and criminal actions they have committed.” The letter did not, however, call for any major changes or even resignations in the church, saying instead that Vatican officials were planning an inspection of Irish dioceses.