World

Pope Benedict XVI condemns child abuse by priests

Associated Press, Vatican City | Mon, 02/08/2010 8:02 PM | World

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Pope Benedict XVI is condemning the abuse of children by priests, saying the church will never stop deploring such behavior.

Benedict says that for centuries the Catholic Church had shown its commitment to loving and respecting children and ensuring their basic human rights are respected.

But he says, "Unfortunately in some cases, some of its members - acting in contrast to this commitment -- have violated these rights, a behavior that the church hasn't, and won't ever stop deploring and condemning."

Benedict's comments Monday to members of the Pontifical Council for the Family came as he is finalizing a letter to the Irish faithful concerning the Irish church's sex abuse and cover-up scandal.

Four bishops have announced their resignations.