So far in his celebrated visit to America, His Holiness has expressed shame and regret for the massive sex abuse scandal and the way it was handled. But he also said it was sort of America's own fault.According to Breitbart: ...He urged efforts "to address the sin of abuse within the wider context of sexual mores" as well as a reassessment of "the values underpinning society."
"What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available today?" the pontiff said on the first full day of his US visit.
"Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships. They should be spared the degrading manifestations and the crude manipulation of sexuality so prevalent today."
They should also be spared a religious hierarchy that protects the priests that abuse them.The Pope has yet to explain what the Church is doing to expel pedophile priests, and he continues to stand by bishops who covered up the abuse for years.
The truth is, the abuse that went on in the Catholic Church is not "society's" fault. It's the Church's fault. That's why the Church has had to pay out $2 billion in claims. And that makes it ultimately the Pope's fault. The church scandal is not something he can pass off on internet pornography.
For us, the Pope's visit has raised some major questions:
1. How rude is it to attack our morality on his first full day here? President Bush picked him up from the airport.
2. Does anyone know why Benedict's teenage affiliation with the Hitler Youth is excused by his being, in the BBC 's parlance, "not an enthusiastic member"?
3. Any clue why the Pope's autobiography is written through the eyes of his cat Chico?
4. Finally, how seriously should we take what the papers are calling the Pope's "chiding" of American society and its role in the church scandal? Do we as a nation really share some of the blame for the Church's crisis?
Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 14)
46. Catholicism is just anothe name for Communism, with a dictator as a leader. How can they be so stupidly sheep-like. Apologize again Popy, you put your foul foot in your foul mouth B
Bryan at 6:22AM on Apr 18th 2008
47. The pope was forced into Nazi service, like most germans, it wasn't exactly a choice. He also deserted later. Stop trying to spread ignorant hate. You obviously seem to have a large axe to grind, why post about something with such bias?
The Pope is RIGHT. We treat sex so casually today as if it's like washing our hands before we eat. People are FIRST a product of the society that created them. Unless these priests were raised in complete biblical seclusion from birth, in which case I'd concede the point.
In repsonse to #1, he can do whatever he wants. He's the Pope. If he sees a problem with the morality of millions of HIS CATHOLICS, then he damn well better speak up.
to #3, who cares? Maybe it's creative? Definitely feeling some underlying tension here Ada. You an ex-catholic girl?
Strados at 7:14AM on Apr 18th 2008
48. Society isn't to blame for pedosexuals at all. Pedosexuals are a NATURAL part of the order of the world, and it is time for humanity to realize and accept that, legalize pedosexuality, and start protecting children by bringing pedosexuality out into the open like homosexuality was brought into the open.
Secondly, with all due respect to Man_in_Wilderness.... there is no such thing as 'perverts'. That is something made up by humanity to justify thinking that they are 'better' than someone else.
Thirdly, rape was created by nature as a way for men to spread their genes around. You don't like it? Make it so that people don't have to rape women, girls, boys and men by encouraging them to be a LOT more free with their sexual favors.
Christopher at 7:28AM on Apr 18th 2008
49. Christopher...that's probably one of the most disturbing posts I've ever read
But to add to discussion....Greeks used pedophilia in their comedy plays. Not like it's a new thing. Wasn't treated as worst humanity has to offer either.
Strados at 7:31AM on Apr 18th 2008
50. To edit the previous post...I'm referring to Ancient Greeks in the BC era, notably a thousand years before Jesus or so
Strados at 7:32AM on Apr 18th 2008
51. So many are poised to attack Roman Catholics on the issue of abuse.
ANOTHER Jewish Rabbi was convicted of sexual abuse on Monday and the Jewish community is working hard to keep it under wraps. It doesn't take long to look it up!
doondog at 8:27AM on Apr 18th 2008
52. FIrst off, Does anybody really believe that this problem is confined to America? Second, His invlovement in the Hitler Youth, however unenthusiatic as it may, or may not have been is just a media slap at the church to begin with, I seriously doubt if the program was an optional attendence for any of the little NAZI hatchlings.
The Jmann at 8:29AM on Apr 18th 2008
53. It appears the first step is admitting there is a problem. Addressing it will take time with failures along the way. If nothing else I hope we look into our hearts to try and see the victimms and work for their heallig. It happens in all faiths and denominations, and our real goal should not be to assess blame, but help those innocents who have to carry the quilt and shame the rest of their lives. Keep talking about this not from our pains but try to accept and love those that are hurt. Then they might not commit suicide, like my wife!
Jim Boeving at 8:53AM on Apr 18th 2008
54. Ada Your Anti-Catholicism is showing. The Priest/cover-up scandal hurt the church badly in the US but why isn't anyone, especially you, affiliated with the NYT, admitting that, teachers, Coaches, Rabbis, Cantors, Ministers, College Professors are also in this up to thier nose. Check the numbers Ada. This screed is just another way of knocking the Church which has the guts to stand up to the Planned Parenthood Abortion Racket.
Mike DeDominic at 8:53AM on Apr 18th 2008
55. The Catholic Church doesn't make priests pedophiles. Pedophiles go into to this line of work because they will have access to children.
Jane at 9:00AM on Apr 18th 2008
56. 1> Yes American sosiety is sick. We allow in the name of freedom of speech all kinds of porn to excite the minds of the morally depraved or ill.
2. We tolerate lawmakers or of the same bent of being morally bereft and power hungry it is no wonder we allow laws that promote the society of death.
3. Any clergy member whether it be Catholic Priest or Protestant Ministers or law persons who molest children are sick minded criminals and should be treated as such to include being defrocked and handed over to the legal authorities for full prosecution under the law.
4. Any persons who help to cover up said child abuse or molestation should also be deforcked and then handed over to authorities to be prosecuted as accessories to the original crime.
5. Any church leader who adds insult to injury by simply scolding those in the church... Catholic or otherwise is failing to hold each individual who perpetrates crimes against the members or parishoners accountable thus damaging its right to be true representatives of Jesus Christ to the world.
6.To spend billions of dollars of church funds to cover up or make restitution is also another sign of sickness within the church.. some of that money was the hard earned donations of the poorest of the church followers. What a sins to continue to perpetuate cover ups or whatever,a CRIME yes Crime against the trusting followers seeking Jesus Christ.
7. If the Pope wants to truely make restitution and reform in the church he should make both written and public proclamations to the effect that any member of the church clergy or staff who commit crimes of any nature and especially sexual crimes will be immediately upon discovery be defrocked and handed over to the legal authorities from criminal prosecution or vendication as the evidence and due process of law reveal.
Mark at 9:12AM on Apr 18th 2008
57. The truth is, the abuse that went on in the Catholic Church is not "society's" fault. It's the Church's fault. That's why the Church has had to pay out $2 billion in claims. And that makes it ultimately the Pope's fault. The church scandal is not something he can pass off on internet pornography.
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It is easier than trying to explain to uneducated Members of the human race with college degrees spiritual aspects of being Roman Catholic.
The Roman Catholic Church has consistantly existed for 2000 years due too the strict observance of ones's God Given ability the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. A person who has no belief in God, is very spiritually immature ( spiritual immaturity still occurs regardless of how many Phd's, master Degrees one has )or has hasn't pray much in there their life, not gone to Mass much, Devotions, etc. It takes self discipline to pray everyday, attend Church, adhere to 2000 years of Church Teaching. For those who hate The Roman Catholic Church, a real hero of a role model would be King Henry the 8th who died from venerial sickness, syphliss ( please forgive early morning, no dictionary handy ). I think you wonderful highly educated adults should be raising your children to marry and divorce 6 times and die from syphliss. King Henry bashed the Roman Catholic Church, thought and felt he knew better a lot like much of you good college educated folks after reading the many post's, therefore you good folks should live his life exactly and then meet your fate. Excuse me, but saying no to King Henry the 8th life style ( which included dying from syphliss ) is PROVING the Roman Catholic Church correct when the Church back then said NO to divorcing of his 1st wife, because it led up to the act's that eventually kill him off. What a role model to look up too for guidance of bashing the Roman Catholic.
Polycratus at 9:14AM on Apr 18th 2008
58. The catholic church has been aware of this issue for many more years than they would like you to believe. And the untoward sexuality of priest has been an issue ALWAYS with the church. Their response has always been to cover it up, because they compromise their infallibility if they address problems within ranks.
That the pope was in hitler youth is not surprising - after all, he wouldn't be where he is if he didn't love to dictate to other people how they should live.
Anyone studying their history will understand that repressing sexuality is not a new cultural phenomenon - but neither is celebrating it, either. The pope's idea of "healthy" is frankly, creepy, as is his penchant for thinking that god speaks through him directly,etc.
Really, we need to bag this primitive nonsense and bring spirituality and god into a context that is compatible with evolved men and women. I know - lets start by having a good belly-laugh at the pope's expense...
Lionruby at 10:24AM on Apr 18th 2008
59. Ada:
Sexual immorality includes not just child sexual abuse, but homosexuality, fornication, adultery, pornography, etc. The abuse of any child is tragic and a crime. Not all priests abuse children, but the manner in which the Catholic faith has been attacked is indicative of anti-Catholic bias. The church has addressed the issue; paying billions and instituting measures to protect children. I love this Pope. He is a wise leader and a faithful Christian. I am tired of him being criticized for things he did as a child in which he had no control. All German children were required to join the Hitler Youth during the Nazi era.
janesophie1 at 9:38AM on Apr 18th 2008
60. Observations:
Why are these guys adorned in dresses? Defrock!Priests to be married, why are'nt they. Titus 1:6
This Pope Benedict/Ratzing led pedofile coverup.
Benedict's affiliation with Hitler Youth group.
colin keith at 9:48AM on Apr 18th 2008