International

Pope Benedict Meets with Victims Abused by Priests

Molly Burns

Sunday, April 18th- Pope Benedict XVI met in Malta with a group of eight men who were victims of molestation by priests in an orphanage for the first time since recent accusations have come forward. This move comes after a wave of recent criticism that the Catholic church has not been doing enough to mend the damage that has been done to victims, or to protect potential victims by removing pedophiles from their position as priests. This sentiment is especially strong in Malta, where three men being charged in a criminal suit filed in 2003 involving sexual abuse are still working as priests, and the investigation by the Malta diocese has lasted 7 years. Although the Vatican published a guide last week for proper action bishops should take in abuse cases, Pope Benedict’s meeting was the first time he had publically addressed the issue.

• Malta: European country comprised of a cluster of Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Diocese: A regional administrative unit in the church, directed by a Bishop

• Argument for: The Pope’s meeting could be a positive step in mending the church’s reputation as well as its relationship with victims of abuse.
• Argument against: The timing of the visit could be seen as too little too late as many groups such as Survivors Network for those abused by priests feel as though not enough is being done to help victims.

Additional Reading:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8628244.stm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/world/europe/19pope.html?scp=2&sq=pope&st=cse