The synod of Roman Catholic bishops
said a mea culpa for clerical child sex abuse Tuesday saying "we
feel ashamed".
A request for forgiveness pronounced on behalf of the Church by
Cardinal Sean O'Malley during a penitential vigil in St. Peter's
said:
"I ask for forgiveness, feeling ashamed, for all the times that
we faithful have been complicit or have directly committed
abuses of conscience, abuses of power, and sexual abuse. How
much shame and pain I feel when considering especially the
sexual abuse committed against minors and vulnerable people, who
have stolen innocence and desecrated the sacredness of those who
are weak and defenseless. I ask for forgiveness, feeling
ashamed, for all the times that we have used the condition of
the ordained ministry and consecrated life to commit this
terrible sin, feeling safe and protected while we diabolically
took advantage of the little ones and the poor. Forgive us,
Lord".
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