As a general rule, I cannot fathom the hullabaloo surrounding a visiting pontiff; popes are not my particular interest.
But what I really don't get is the credulity with which various press folk have bought the notion that the visit has included apologies for the Church's role in abetting the molestation and rape (let's use the right words, shall we?) of children.
Apologies have a basic framework: "I did ____; I was wrong; I am sorry." In the best instances, that statement would be followed by, "And I will do everything in my power to make right what I did wrong."
An apology does not involve having an underling (in this case, a cardinal) busily disclaiming on your behalf any responsibility:
“I personally do not accept that there is a broad base of bishops who are guilty of aiding and abetting pedophiles, and if I thought there were, or knew of them, I would certainly talk to the pope about what could be done about it,” the cardinal said.“I am aware of bishops who have admitted to making mistakes, but those seem to be mistakes grounded in taking counsel that didn’t turn out to be good advice,” he said, explaining that he was referring to reports from psychologists and therapists.
To quote a great American playwright, MENDACITY!
1. Some members of the Church claim, and some people actually buy, that the abuse is in any way related to homosexuality.
2. The suffering of molested/raped girls is ignored.
your points are, as usual, valid. before i even get that far, i am stopped by this pontiff's jack booted/brown shirted past. two words: hitler youth.
Oh the "pedophile thing"... Hey they were bored and it was a slow day. What were they supposed to do, study the bible??? Yeah okay but once in a while you need a change of pace.