In the Spectator, me on Benedict and the abuse issue.
CNN has interviews with some of those who met with the Pope.
The video is here – Olan Horne, Faith Johnston, and Bernie McDaid.
It occurred to me as I was writing and watching this that Benedict is trying to do many things with here, which is normal for him – he always seems to be working on a few different levels. First of all, to do what he emphasized in his talks – do what he can to meet the needs of victims and bring healing. But secondly, he is, very pointedly, teaching the bishops how to be pastors. You cannot watch these people speak of their past suffering and what the Pope listening to them today accomplished without hoping and praying that in humility, those of his fellow pastors who have refused to listen and instead dedicated inestimable resources to re-victimizing victims are watching and learning from him.
And perhaps feeling something. A word Benedict has used time and time again these past days.
Shame.
