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It's not all that difficult to apologise and show contrition

Perhaps something of a paradox that as the Pope visits Great Britain - with all the itself historic issues that throws up - on this Day of Atonement, for Jews, the question of how the Catholic Church has dealt with the widespread molestation of minors, male and female, is front and centre of discussion. Where is the absolute contrition? Why is the Pope so concerned about the pain he and the Church have suffered? But, what about the victims?

Roger Cohen, writing for the IHT [also published by The New York Times] and born in the United Kingdom, takes up the subject of the Pope's visit to Great Britain and atonement - or the lack of it......

"And yet, this man who found himself in the Hitler Youth in his teens, as required then of young Germans, and whose own conduct in handling an abuse case while archbishop of Munich and Freising has raised questions about his forthrightness — this churchman with such ample opportunity to see the darker sides of man’s soul has proved arid in comprehension and unbending in doctrine.

The church’s transparency and openness to justice for crimes committed remain limited. Benedict has shown scant willingness to come to terms with how and why repressed sexuality among a clergy vowed to celibacy led to molestations of minors so widespread as to make the church institutionally ill."

Update: The Guardian reports that the Pope when speaking at Westminster Abbey today said:

"I express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes".

Wait a minute. Sorrow? They are victims, not to be pitied or even comforted. They are deserving of an apology - plus!. Period.

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