Pope begs forgiveness for 'state of shame' inflicted on Ireland

"I think Pope Francis is probably a very decent human being. But yesterday I was very disturbed by the big celebration for him knowing the lives that have been destroyed."

And this is it. The feting of the head of an institution that imprisoned women, ignored the abuse of hundreds of thousands of children and other atrocities... it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

As does the allegations that Francis was aware of Theodore McCarrick's abuse. Decent human beings don't ignore abuse.

So forgiveness is supposed to undo what has already happened and is going to prevent it from occurring in the future???:-/

how about NO!!!

and why does this seem to be happening so much in the Catholic Church???

The catholic church is a corporation. If any corporation did what they did to hide criminals and other conspiracy do you think an apology would cut it? No, the US would use the RICO act to take it down. Exactly what should happen to this business.

If they want to be a business and pull profits like other businesses they need to be held to the same standards.

Oh, and forgive? No way.

As a victim, I can’t accept forgiveness, just jail for them.

I walked away from the Catholic church years ago. It is a decision that I don't regret. The patriarchy was just too much. I'm a spiritual person and try to lead a good and decent life The Golden Rule works for me as a north star.  

Organized religion ruins a lot of things.  

Celibacy is not the problem. Tax exempt status for non-ministerial church functions is. Take away the tax exempt status for non-ministerial real estate holdings, hospitals, universities and you take away the church's true power: wealth.

And, for all those good Catholics out there, what did Jesus say about wealth when the rich man asked Him how to serve the Lord? "Give away all that you own and follow Me."

The Catholic Church should heed those words.