Anthony and Christine Foster said they were deeply hurt by Sydney bishop Anthony Fisher's "very insensitive" comments.
The couple are flying in from Britain to seek an audience with Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal George Pell over the church's handling of Father Kevin O'Donnell's abuse of two of their daughters at primary school.
They have blamed Dr Pell for stalling their compensation claim as Melbourne archbishop. Their case was settled after eight years.
O'Donnell died 11 years ago after his release from jail for abusing other children.
Emma Foster, 26, killed herself in January; sister Katherine drank heavily, and was left disabled when hit by a drunk driver in 1999.
Asked about the latest controversy yesterday, Bishop Fisher, who is co-ordinating World Youth Day, said it was detracting from the Catholic festival.
"I think most of Australia was enjoying, delighting in the beauty and goodness of these young people . . . rather than dwelling crankily, as a few people are doing, on old wounds," he said.
Speaking from Tokyo airport, Mr Foster said the comments showed "a complete lack of understanding of the victims".
"There are no old wounds for victims," his wife said.
On Tuesday, Mr Foster told ABC's Lateline he would not accept a papal apology unless the Pope also changed how the church and its lawyers dealt with victims.
Dr Pell said yesterday he was "very saddened" by the story of Emma Foster, who endured "one of the worst things that can happen to a young woman".
Financial help and counselling were offered and he apologised to Emma and her family in 1998, he said.
"It has been a tragic case in every sense of the word and I repeat my apologies," Dr Pell said. But he refused to say whether he would meet the Fosters.
Dr Pell said he played no part in the civil lawsuit launched by the Fosters.
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