Pope willing to meet sex abuse victims again: Vatican

Times of India ^ | Apr 9, 2010 | Agencies

[Cardhu]

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI is "available for new meetings" with victims of sex abuse by priests, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told Vatican Radio on Friday.

"The Roman Catholic Church must cooperate with police and the judiciary on child abuse by priests as "the only way to regain trust," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.

Speaking on Vatican Radio, Lombardi said that, "Apart from the attention we must pay to the victims, we must pursue cooperation with the relevant civilian judicial and penal authorities, in line with the legal and other situations in each country."

"This is the only way to restore a climate of justice and full confidence in the institution of the Church," he added.

The Church has been shaken by a whole series of scandals involving paedophile priests in various countries, amid criticism that it protected guilty clergy instead of handing them over to be tried.

[Cardhu]

After victims complained of the indifference of the Pope to their plight on the last visit he is having a second attempt to act concerned.

[Antoninus]

There is no other word for your sick obsession with this issue other than "evil".

What sect do you belong to, so that we may examine how pure its adherents are?

[Cardhu]

This is breaking news - and it might come as a surprise to you that not everyone has the need to belong to a sect or cult.

[TSgt]

I guess Nyer is more evil considering their posts about this issue FAR outnumber Cardhu?

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:nyer/index?tab=comments;brevity=full;options=no-change

[TSgt]

The post from Antoninus says a lot considering this article is actually very pro-Pope. He is reaching out and doing the right thing.

Certain folks “just don’t want to talk about it.”

Sad...

[Cardhu]

Damn! I can’t even win the lottery on ‘evil’ :)

[Cardhu]

Actually it is - it seems that some common sense has seeped into the Vatican at last - probably caused by the German Bishops recommending that victims contact the authorities.

[TSgt]

I’m a Christian however even I think FR has become a tad too “religious.” Post after post of prayers, novenas, etc...

Religion is a very sensitive issue that often results in flame wars.

We need to get back to our roots.

[HiTech RedNeck]

So what church do you go to.

[TSgt]

Actually it is - it seems that some common sense has seeped into the Vatican at last - probably caused by the German Bishops recommending that victims contact the authorities.

This so-called "anti-catholic" agrees with you. The Pope should be commended for reaching out to the victims.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Cynics will dismiss it as “damage control.” There is no foundation at this point for such an allegation.

I wonder, does this mean ALL victims, or just the German ones? Will the RCC pay to get them to the Pope?

[Cardhu]

I live in pagan Europe no one goes to church. Well only a few and that population is getting smaller and smaller by the day.

We do celebrate all the holidays though and most still attend for Births, Marriages and Deaths - the sort of hatch, match and dispatch christians.

[TSgt]

You raise a good point. Meeting with some should open the door to all.

We’ll have to see how this plays out. Still, I believe it is a step in the right direction for the Vatican.

A “spring cleaning” of any current leadership, such as Cardinal Law, who was involved in the abuse would a great next step.

[TSgt]

Integrity check: Standing by for your tongue-lashing of NYer for this article they just posted concerning their “sick obsession” with this issue.

The Pope and the press (Pope Benedict XVI falsely accused by New York Times)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2489754/posts

[Antoninus]

This is breaking news

Please. It's "same stuff, different day." Yawn fest.

and it might come as a surprise to you that not everyone has the need to belong to a sect or cult.

No, but you do. You clearly belong to the cult of the Prince of this World.

[TSgt]

Calling our FRiend out.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2489754/posts?page=5#5

[Antoninus]

Sorry, you're obviously late to the party. Cardhu is a serial poster on this issue--and nearly all the articles he posts are full of slander and lies. So are his comments. He obviously has some personal ax to grind here.

My criticisms of him have less to do with the content of this particular article than to his slanderous insinuation in post 1 that the Pope is only "acting" concerned.

If he can't take it, he should shut up and leave.

[TSgt]

Cardhu is a serial poster on this issue

So is NYer and not all of their articles are pro-RCC. But you give them a pass because...

So who is it that can't take it? ;-)

[Antoninus]

But you give them a pass because...

Wow, you really are obtuse.

I criticize Cardhu for spreading lies and slander in HIS comments.

NYer doesn't do that.

Capiche?

[TSgt]

You FRiend have been proven to be a hypocrite.

You will not permit anyone to post articles or discuss this topic unless you agree with them.

May I suggest that you get your own forum?