British government official expects papal meeting with abuse victims

September 07, 2010

The British government’s top official handling plans for this month’s papal visit has suggested that the Pontiff will meet privately with sex-abuse victims.

During a BBC television interview Chris Patten pointed out that the Pope has regularly scheduled a meeting with abuse victims during his travels abroad. These visits are not listed on the official schedule for the papal visits, Lord Patten observed, hinting that a similar event was likely during the Pontiff’s September visit.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster made a similar comment last week. Like Lord Patten, the archbishop did not directly confirm that a meeting was scheduled, or that he was aware of plans for such a meeting, but conveyed the impression that the event was likely.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Expect papal meeting with UK sexual abuse victims — Patten (Reuters)
• Pope likely to meet British abuse victims, archbishop says (CWN, 9/6)