As Pope Benedict accepted his resignation at 75, Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk has apologized over "inadequate decisions" relating to the sexual abuse scandal. Pope Benedict today accepted Archbishop Pilarczyk's resignation, which he submitted when he turned 75 on Aug. 12, 2009, Cincinnati.com reports.
"One year ago, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed me coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati, I was humbled and honored," Archbishop Schnurr stated.
"Today, after having had the opportunity to visit so many of our parishes, schools, and other institutions over the past months, I feel even more grateful and privileged.
"The welcome has been overwhelming, and I look forward to working with our priests, deacons, religious and lay people in building upon the solid foundation of faith that is so evident in our communities."
Earlier, during his homily on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a Catholic priest, Archbishop Pilarczyk had said there are five words everyone needs to learn to say.
"The five words are these: please, thank you, I'm sorry," said Pilarczyk.
"We'll begin with 'I'm sorry,' " he continued.
Addressing the clergy abuse scandal in which the church admitted the archdiocese knowingly failed to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests decades ago, Archbishop Pilarczyk expressed his regret,
"Before the Lord and His people I want to say that I regret what happened," Pilarczyk said. "I made some inadequate decisions and people got hurt and I'm sorry."
"It's good to be sorry for the wrong we have done. It's good to be grateful for the multitudinous good gifts we have received. It's good to look forward in hope for God's ongoing plans for us," Pilarczyk said.
When his resignation is accepted, Pilarczyk will be succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr.
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