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Pope Benedict apologises for Catholic Church sex abuse

19/07/2008

Pope Benedict XVI has apologised for the sexual abuse of children carried out by some Catholic priests.

Speaking during his visit to Australia, the pontiff responded to calls for a public apology over the abuse scandal which has rocked the church in recent years and called for an effort to combat "these evils".

Though he met with victims of abuse during a visit to the US and expressed his regret over the problem, his comments in Sydney represent his first direct apology.

It is not yet clear whether his visit to Australia - which corresponds with World Youth Day - will include meetings with abuse victims.

Speaking during mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on Friday, Pope Benedict XV said: "I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured.

"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation.

"Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."

There have been 107 convictions against Catholic clergymen for sexual abuse in Australia, but campaigners estimate the true number of incidents to be far higher.

The Broken Rites campaign group believes there may be thousands of victims and has called for the pontiff to create a dedicated system to investigating claims of abuse, after claims that the Catholic Church in Australia tried to cover up such incidents.

"I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country," the Pope added.

"I ask all of you to support and assist your bishops and to work together with them in combating this evil."