Pope stays silent on abuse controversy
The Pope today greeted pilgrims and delivered a prayer from his retreat near Rome, but did not mention the sex abuse scandal plaguing the Catholic Church.
The pope is ending a busy Easter week clouded by accusations that the Vatican, and he personally, have failed to protect children from abusive priests.
Pilgrims applauded and cheered at Castel Gandolfo today as he greeted them in several languages and wished them a Happy Easter .
At the Easter Sunday Mass, a senior cardinal defended him from the accusations, calling them “petty gossip.” Cardinal Angelo Sodano hailed the Pope for “unfailing” leadership and courage.
After the Easter ceremonies, the Pope went to the Castel Gandolfo papal retreat for a few days of rest.
