Lourdes (France): French Catholic bishops
expressed "shame" on Friday over child sex abuse by priests but
complained that paedophilia accusations are being used in a
slanderous campaign to attack the pope.
"Those who commit these acts disfigure our church,
hurt Christian communities and spread suspicion over all
members of the clergy," they wrote in a letter of support to
Pope Benedict XVI.
The letter came as the Vatican hit back at new
paedophilia revelations, defending the pope against an
allegation that he failed to act over a US priest accused of
molesting up to 200 deaf children.
"We all feel shame and regret about the abominable
acts perpetrated by certain priests and religious figures,"
the French bishops wrote at the close of their general
assembly in the southwestern pilgrimage town of Lourdes.
"We also note that these unacceptable facts are being
used in a campaign to attack your person and your mission.
"We wish to tell you that we carry with you the pain
being caused by this calumny that targets you and we renew the
expression of our communion and our support," they wrote.
The leader of Catholics in England and Wales on Friday
also denied there had been a church cover-up of child abuse
scandals, and insisted the pope is taking strong action to
tackle it.
PTI
