More victims come forward after papal visit’s acknowledgment of sexual abuse
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Chicago, Ill., Apr 21, 2008 / 11:35 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI’s visit and his recognition of the problems of clerical sexual abuse have prompted many alleged sexual abuse victims to come forward, Newsday reports.

Barbara Blaine, president of the Chicago-based Survivor’s Network of Those Abused by Priests said her 8,000-member organization has been “inundated” with calls.  "Several are saying that they never told anyone."

"It was because the topic was addressed and for some people [who came forward] it was because they're angry," Blaine said, according to Newsday. "Others just want to be counted."

Addressing the bishops of the United States on Wednesday, the Pope said the sexual abuse scandal had been “very badly handled.”  He later met with victims of sexually abusive clergy, an historic first.

According to Newsday, Blaine said it would have been “far better” if the Pope had accompanied his statements with actions like sanctioning bishops who failed to report and discipline priests.

Dan Bartley, president of Voice of the Faithful, an organization seeking Church reforms, responded to Pope Benedict’s actions, saying, "It's a start."  He continued, claiming, “the underlying issues that caused the sexual abuse crisis in the first place remain unaddressed."

Father Robert Hoatson, the New Jersey co-founder of the abuse victims’ group Road to Recovery, Inc., said the organization has received calls from five new victims in the last three days.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: C. Y. P.
San Diego, California, U.S.A. 04/23/2008 06:29 PM EST
In the U.S.A., once a priest is accused, the Church-- by policy-- treats him as "guilty" until proven innocent.
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Published by: Norma Villarreal
San Antonio, TX US 04/22/2008 05:08 PM EST
Good news that survivors are coming forward after the pope addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse. Now it remains to be seen if the pope returns to Vatican City and makes changes in canon law dealing with pedophile priests.
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Published by: Kristine Ward
Dayton, OH 04/22/2008 10:17 AM EST
All Catholics can have the same moment of understanding of the gravity of the sexual abuse crisis that Pope Benedict had. Survivors have to be invited to speak in every parish. The compassion and action has to be incorporated into pro-life and social justice activiites. Please remember that hundreds of victims committed suicide.
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Published by: Theresa Padovano
Morris Plains, NJ 04/22/2008 08:34 AM EST
Pope Benedict XVI must follow his good words with good deeds--specifically he must put an end to the Vatican's standard operating procedure of secrecy concerning accusations of pedophilia by priests. He can not blame the bishops for trying to follow the policy of the Vatican! He is the one to make things change. He must go home and do his homework--change the Vatican Policy which the bishops dutifully followed no matter the consequences for innocent children!!
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