Pope urging priest to Rome for conclusion of Year for Priests

(April 16, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging priests to come to Rome in large numbers in June for the closing of the Year for Priests, to show themselves "ready and un-intimidated" to serve humanity. This was affirmed in a message sent to the priests of the world by Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy, in view of the concluding ceremonies June 9-11. "Dear Priests, the Pope invites you from the heart to come to Rome from every part of the world," the prelate wrote in his message. He said that their presence in large numbers in St. Peter's Square will be a proactive and responsible way of showing themselves ready and un-intimidated for the service of the humanity entrusted to them by Jesus Christ. He said their large presence will be a proclamation of their being sent not to condemn the world, but to save it. It will also be a show of their solidarity, and unconditional communion with Pope Benedict in the face of the frequent attacks direct towards him over cover-up of paedophile priest scandals. He said accusations directed towards him are obviously unjust, as no one has done as much as him to condemn and to combat properly such crimes. Cardinal Hummes said it is unacceptable and unjust to use the horrible crimes of sexual abuse upon minors by a small of priests to sully the entire ecclesial body of priests.