Pope John Paul II told U.S. cardinals he’s deeply grieved over the pedophile crisis affecting the Roman Catholic Church. The pope addressed the cardinals during the first session of a two-day meeting to discuss the crisis. He said the church must be confident that “this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community.” He also said the “immense spiritual and social good of a vast majority of priests in the U.S. should not be forgotten.” Americans are among the biggest donors to the Vatican, and some in the U.S. have expressed alarm that the scandal may lead to a boycott.
Pope Tells U.S. Cardinals He’s Deeply Grieved over Pedophile Crisis
HeadlineApr 23, 2002