Vatican City, Apr 1, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Addressing the first group of US Bishops on their Ad Limina visit, Pope John Paul said that the process of reconciliation after the sex scandal requires interior renewal.
The Holy Father received on Friday morning the bishops from the ecclesiastical provinces of Atlanta and Miami and said that in the meetings with all the US bishops in the next coming 10 months, he will offer “a series of reflections on the exercise of the episcopal office in the light of the threefold munus of sanctifying, teaching, and governing.”
“Our meetings,” the Pope said, “are taking place at a difficult time in the history of the Church in the United States. Many of you have already spoken to me of the pain caused by the sexual abuse scandal of the past two years and the urgent need for rebuilding confidence and promoting healing between Bishops, priests and the laity in your country.”
The Pontiff said that “acknowledging and addressing past mistakes and failures, while at the same time seeking to learn from them, will contribute greatly to this work of reconciliation and renewal.”