Ex-pope Benedict XVI asks for forgiveness over handling of sex abuse cases but denies wrongdoing
February 9, 2022, 8:05 am

Ex-pope Benedict XVI asks for forgiveness over handling of sex abuse cases but denies wrongdoing

Pope Benedict xvi-President George Bush-Laura Bush/Pixabay

The Euronews reported, citing media outlets, Ex-pope Benedict XVI has asked for forgiveness for any “grievous faults” in his handling of sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church.

But he did not admit to any personal wrongdoing, despite recent criticism of his conduct while serving as archbishop of Munich.

The 94-year-old retired pope said on Tuesday: “I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church."

"All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate."

A January report accused Benedict of mishandling four sexual abuse allegations in the Munich archdiocese between 1977 and 1982.

The

on Tuesday released two letters, including one written by Benedict in response to the allegations.

The emeritus pope said that by meeting victims of abuse, he had "seen at first hand the effects of a most grievous fault".

New report says former Pope Benedict failed to act over four child abuse cases

He wrote: "I have come to understand that we ourselves are drawn into this grievous fault whenever we neglect it or fail to confront it with the necessary decisiveness and responsibility, as too often happened and continues to happen."

“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.”

Pope Francis thanks journalists for helping uncover Church sex scandals

The Euronews said, the retired Pope's team had previously corrected an "error" that initially denied that Benedict had attended a meeting to discuss transferring one priest in question

The second letter from his advisers read: “As an archbishop, Cardinal Ratzinger was not involved in any cover-up of acts of abuse."

Benedict's lawyers added that there was no evidence that Benedict was aware of the four priests' criminal backgrounds.

Pope Francis willing to visit Canada for reconciliation with Indigenous people

Benedict -- who stepped down in 2013 -- also thanked his successor Pope Francis for his "support" and "trust" after the German report was published.

Source: euronews

WFP warns that 13 million people facing hunger in Horn of Africa Al-Azhar launches experimental Braille copy of Qur’an to help the blind

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.