Belgian abuse reports a 'new cause of pain' for Pope

September 14, 2010

The latest revelations of sexual abuse by priests in Belgium is a “new cause of pain” for Church leaders, Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, told reporters. He said that Pope Benedict XVI is following the latest reports from Belgium very carefully as he prepares for his trip to the United Kingdom.

In Belgium, Archbishop André-Joseph Leonard of Brussels said that the hierarchy is moving forward with plans to develop a “center for investigation, healing, and reconciliation” to carry forward the work of the independent commission that unearthed nearly 500 sex-abuse complaints. “From the mistakes of the past, we want to draw the necessary lessons,” the archbishop said.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope pained by Belgian child sex scandal (CNN)