Pope Benedict XVI meets with abuse victims in Germany

Pope Benedict XVI met Friday with German victims of sexual abuse by priests. The pope met for half an hour with five victims, and expressed, “deep compassion and regret,” at the suffering of those abused by members of the clergy. Below, please find the full English text of the statmeent released by the Press Office of the Holy See.

Full Text: Statement of the Press Office of the Holy See

[Friday] evening, in the seminary at Erfurt, Pope Benedict XVI met with a group of victims of sexual abuse committed by priests and church personnel. Subsequently he greeted some people who care for those injured by these crimes.

Moved and deeply shaken by the sufferings of the victims, the Holy Father expressed his deep compassion and regret over all that was done to them and their families. He assured the people present that those in positions of responsibility in the Church are seriously concerned to deal with all crimes of abuse and are committed to the promotion of effective measures for the protection of children and young people. Pope Benedict XVI is close to the victims and he expresses the hope that the merciful God, Creator and Redeemer of all mankind, may heal the wounds of the victims and grant them inner peace.

From the Vatican, 23 September 2011