Pope Benedict XVI has returned to Vatican City after a four-day visit to Britain. During his stay, the Pope apologized to victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Roman Catholic priests.

Pope Benedict XVI: “I think of the immense suffering caused by the abuse of children, especially within the Church and by her ministers. Above all, I express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes, along with my hope that the power of Christ’s grace, His sacrifice of reconciliation, will bring deep healing and peace to their lives. I also acknowledge with you the shame and humiliation which all of us have suffered because of these sins.”

The Pope’s comments came as thousands of people took to the streets of London to protest his visit. An estimated crowd of over 10,000 marched from Hyde Park to Downing Street on Saturday to criticize the Vatican on issues including child sex abuse, gay rights, and abortion. Alan Palmer of the British Humanist Society took part in the march.

Alan Palmer: “We don’t believe that we should be preached to, and we believe in human rights. So, for women and gay people and for children, the protection of children and so on, these are issues which are still not being properly addressed by the Catholic Church.”