Tearful pope says church will better protect young

I think the Pope's comments show his observance. His commitment to protecting children, and the warning about putting aside y/our faith in this religion, are more than the promise they can be preceived to be. I think Grech's comment was directed and realistic.

This religion needs to cease.

I and my extended family would argue otherwise. The problem needs to be better addressed and reliable safeguards need to be put in place but anybody who sees the actions of a small percentage of the clergy as a reflection of the institution as a whole is deluded. My priest talks about this every time it comes up and makes it abundantly clear that what these men did is both monstrous and sacrilege of the Holy Spirit.

If not that, then they need too allow priests to marry and even accept gay clergy.

I have yet to meet a priest that would support that. They probably exist somewhere... but I doubt they speak for even a substantial minority. Part of being clergy is an uncompromising service to God. Locating, removing, and punishing the individuals who commit the crimes should be the focus of any change to church structure, especially considering that the vast majority of priests are nothing but fine upstanding citizens. If they want to marry (man or woman) they can leave the clergy, simple. Maybe there should be something done about the stigma that these priests receive after leaving but I don’t feel that changing the requirements of priesthood is any sort of solution.

Thats strange. Just a few weeks ago he had a completely different attitude. I wonder why his attitude changed.

This is more terrible in developing and poor countries where holy father is God.

too late. This religion needs to cease. If not that, then they need too allow priests to marry and even accept gay clergy.

How can one practice a religion and then commit things like this.

It would be wiser for him to shut up for a month. Take time to reflect. Come out with something more substantial.

Benedict, to The Hague with you!

I agree with the other comments here. It has taken far too long for the Pope and the church as an institution to acknowledge these crimes. It's not like this is a recent development they're apologizing for. It took way too long.

Just what I was thinking knackerz. They should have dealt with this centuries ago.

Celibate claim tatemae; honme homo?

Tears aren't going to cut it; arrest him and all the pedophiles he's harbored.

Since the Pope, when younger, knew of the abuse and did nothing - other than transfer the abusing priest to another location - I agree with knackerz, he's only crying because he got caught, not because he feels remorse.

These guys have been abusing children for hundresds of years. The whole church needs to be bought to justice.

Croc tears.

And he is now being so frank, honest and sorrowful not because he wants to be but because he is left with no other choice, the Vatican has finally realized their days of cover up are gone. Shame on you all - open up your records, hunt down these pedophiles and bring them to justice.