Pope Benedict has described the abuse as shameful and hateful Pope Benedict XVI has apologised to victims of child sex abuse by Catholic priests in Ireland.In a pastoral letter to Irish Catholics, he acknowledged the sense of betrayal in the Church felt by victims and their families. The Pope said there had been "serious mistakes" among bishops in responding to allegations of paedophilia. The pastoral letter is the first statement of its kind by the Vatican on the sexual abuse of children. It follows revelations of paedophilia within the Irish Catholic Church, which have rocked the institution. I openly express the shame and remorse that we all feel Pope Benedict Pope's letter: Key excerpts Scandals involving Catholic priests have been reported in other countries, including the Pope's native Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria and the US. Addressing the victims of abuse, the Pope wrote: "You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry.[Read more...]