Pope calls others to account

Benedict XVI acknowledged in remarks to visiting US bishops that paedophilia was a “scourge” for society, and that clergy abusing children had left Catholics bewildered.

“It is my hope that the Church’s conscientious efforts to confront this reality will help the broader community to recognise the causes, true extent and devastating consequences of sexual abuse, and to respond effectively to this scourge which affects every level of society,” he said.

“Just as the church is rightly held to exacting standards in this regard, all other institutions, without exception, should be held to the same standards.”

But David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said: “No public figure talks more about child safety but does little to actually make children safer than Pope Benedict.”