Vatican City, Mar 27, 2010 / 19:02 pm
The way in which the Church confronts sexual abuse and its extensive coverage recently in the media is “crucial” for her moral credibility, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said on Saturday. He looked to Pope Benedict XVI and various bodies within the Church working to "eradicate the scourge of abuses."
In a note released through Vatican Radio, he stated that recognizing the facts and making amends for cases that "generally" took place years ago is the price of “the reestablishment of justice” and of that “purification of memory" which will allow the Church to look to the future with “renewed commitment" and "humility and trust"
He highlighted the responses of episcopal conferences in different parts of the world which have "reinforced, updated and renovated" directives that provide for the "correct management and prevention of abuses."
Referring to the "decisive measures" and actions of the U.S. Bishops, he said their recently released annual report shows that the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" is obtaining positive results. Fr. Lombardi remarked that it must be recognized that efforts are proving to be "effective."