- The Pope is deeply disturbed by the accounts of sexual abuse of children by members of the Church in Ireland. He shares in the dismay and sense of betrayal experienced by so many in this country.
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The first step for the Church is to acknowledge that serious sins have been committed against children.
- Among the factors contributing to child sexual abuse (CSA) are: inadequate screening and training of seminarians and novices, undue deference to clergy, misplaced concern for avoiding scandal which resulted in failure to follow proper procedures.
- The Pope has met with victims of CSA and is willing to do so in the future.
- The Pope speaks directly to the victims of abuse and their families. He apologises in the following words: “You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have endured. Your trust has been betrayed and your dignity has been violated. Many of you found that, when you were courageous enough to speak of what happened to you, no one would listen. Those of you who were abused in residential institutions must have felt that there was no escape from your sufferings. It is understandable that you find it hard to forgive or be reconciled with the Church. In her name, I openly express the shame and remorse that we all feel. At the same time, I ask you not to lose hope”. “I know some of you find it difficult even to enter the doors of a church after all that has occurred. Yet Christ’s own wounds, transformed by his redemptive sufferings, are the very means by which the power of evil is broken and we are reborn to life and hope. I believe deeply in the healing power of his self-sacrificing love – even in the darkest and most hopeless situations – to bring liberation and the promise of a new beginning. Speaking to you as a pastor concerned for the good of all God’s children, I humbly ask you to consider what I have said”.
- To the priests and religious who have abused, the Pope speaks directly, saying that “you have betrayed the trust that was placed in you by innocent young people and their parents and you must answer for it before Almighty God and before properly constituted tribunals … God’s justice summons us to give an account of our actions and to conceal nothing”.
- The Pope acknowledges the difficulties faced by parents today and the importance of their task.
- Children and young people are encouraged to seek a personal relationship with Jesus within the communion of his Church for he will never betray their trust, and to bring their enthusiasm and idealism to the renewal of the Church.
- Benedict XVI acknowledges the discouragement of priests at this painful time and encourages them to reaffirm their faith in Christ.
- He admits that the bishops made grave errors of judgement and that failures of leadership occurred. Bishops are to continue to cooperate with the civil authorities and only decisive action carried out in complete honesty and transparency will restore the respect and good will of the Irish people.
- All the faithful of Ireland are invited to help create a new vision to inspire present and future generations to treasure the gift of our common faith.
- Finally, the Pope suggests some concrete initiatives to address the current situation: prayer, fasting, and works of mercy to obtain the grace of healing and renewal for the Church. He also encourages us to discover anew the sacrament of reconciliation and to give particular attention to Eucharistic Adoration. He also intends to hold Apostolic Visitations in certain dioceses as well as in seminaries and religious congregations. He proposes a nationwide mission for all bishops, priests and religious.
- The Pope concludes his letter with thanks to those working for the safety of children in church environments.
- He cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord.
