” “"I take note of the sorrow which the Church in America experienced as a consequence of the sexual abuse of minors. None of my words could describe the sorrow and the harm caused by such abuse". Those words were spoken by Benedict XVI during the Mass celebrated at the National Stadium in Washington today. "It is important added the Pope , for those who suffered, to be treated with lovely pastoral care. Moreover, I cannot describe to what extent the community of the Church was damaged in an adequate way. Great efforts have already been made to tackle this tragic situation in an honest and fair way, and to make sure that children may grow up in a safe environment. Those attentions to protect children must continue. I encourage each of you to promote recovery and reconciliation and to help all the wounded ones". Then, Benedict XVI encouraged believers "to love priests and to confirm the excellent work they are doing", and "to pray for the Holy Spirit to give its gifts to the Church, the gifts leading to conversion, forgiving and growth in holiness". According to the Pope, those gifts "are within our reach", in the Sacrament of penitence, which "needs to be rediscovered by every Catholic", and on which "most of the renewal of the Church in America" depends.
