Pope Benedict has told Italian bishops that their evangelical mission "does not hide the wounds that scar the church community because of the weakness and the sin of some of its members", in an apparent reference to the sexual abuse scandals in the Church. Italy seemed to be spared by the series of sex abuse revelations rocking European and American churches in past months, but since last week cases have been coming under the national spotlight, said a report on BigPond News.
"This humble and hurtful acknowledgement should not make us forget the free and passionate service of so many believers, starting with priests," the pontiff is cited saying.
SIC: CTHAUS