Pope Benedict issued an apology to victims of sex abuse in Ireland on Saturday, and announced an investigation into parts of the Catholic Church in the country.
In a lengthy letter to the Irish faithful, he addressed the victims and their families: “You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have endured.”
Benedict acknowledged that victims might find it difficult even to enter a church after what they have suffered.
“It is understandable that you find it hard to forgive or be reconciled with the Church,” he wrote. “In her name, I openly express the shame and remorse that we all feel.”
He had harsh words for priest abusers, asking them to acknowledge their guilt, and submit themselves to the demands of justice.
“You betrayed the trust that was placed in you by innocent young people and their parents, and you must answer for it before Almighty God…” he wrote. “You have forfeited the esteem of the people of Ireland and brought shame and dishonor upon your confreres.”
Benedict told the Irish bishops that some of them had failed, and at times grievously, to deal with abuse. He announced an investigation of certain dioceses, seminaries, and religious congregations in the country.
Benedict told the Irish faithful that their church, once rich in Catholic tradition, and producing missionaries who spread the faith around the world, must be purified by penance.
“I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal that so many of you have experienced on learning of these sinful and criminal acts and the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them,” he wrote.