Pope speaks of abuse, says U.S. trip 'strengthened' him
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI, reviewing his recent trip to the United States, said Wednesday that he wanted to help heal the wounds from the clergy sex abuse scandal that battered the American church.
The pope made atonement from the shame of the scandal a cornerstone of his American trip. He spoke out often on the scandal and prayed with victims during a stop in Washington.
Benedict returned to the subject during remarks at his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square.