(18 Apr 10 - RV) On Sunday 18 April 2010, in the Apostolic Nunciature in Malta, the
Holy Father met a small group of persons who were sexually abused by members of the
clergy. He was deeply moved by their stories and expressed his shame and sorrow
over what victims and their families have suffered. He prayed with them and assured
them that the Church is doing, and will continue to do, all in its power to investigate
allegations, to bring to justice those responsible for abuse and to implement effective
measures designed to safeguard young people in the future. In the spirit of his
recent Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, he prayed that all the victims of
abuse would experience healing and reconciliation, enabling them to move forward with
renewed hope.