Seth Udinski, FISM News
In an update to the heartbreaking abuse allegations levied against Joseph Ratzinger, who served as Pope Benedict XVI from 2005 to 2013, the 94-year-old former pope has publicly apologized for mishandling a sexual abuse case in Germany from decades ago, but still denies any personal infraction in it.
Ratzinger has been at the center of the resurfaced controversy of sexual abuse, allegations that have not just been levied against him but against the Roman Catholic Church as a whole.
Several weeks ago, investigators discovered that he had knowingly withheld information about a clergyman who had sexually abused children under Ratzinger’s rule while he was an archbishop in Germany in the early 1980s.
On Tuesday, the former pope spoke publicly on the matter:
Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer, for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings. This error, which regrettably was verified, was not intentionally willed and I hope may be excused.
Ratzinger further reiterated his sorrow for the victims, saying, “Once again I can only express to all the victims of sexual abuse my profound shame, my deep sorrow and my heartfelt request for forgiveness.”
Despite the former pope’s sincerity, many are not convinced of his apology and believe he should be punished for his failure.
Mitchell Garabedian, a Boston-based lawyer who works to defend sexual abuse survivors, said, “He’s a leader setting a poor example morally, and in the process, he is encouraging further cover-up of clergy sexual abuse.”
Abuse allegation against him were common during Ratzinger’s reign as Pope Benedict XVI, and many believe the controversy was the main reason why he became the first pope to abdicate the position since the 15th century.