As has now become custom during the Pope’s trips, the Holy Father met with a group of victims at the seminary in Erfurt, on the second day of his four-day trip to Germany.
«Moved and deeply shaken by the sufferings of the victims, the Holy Father expressed his deep compassion and regret over all that was done to them and their families,» a statement from the Vatican reported.
The Pope assured the group of the Church’s commitment to deal with the crime of abuse and promote effective measures of prevention.
«Pope Benedict XVI is close to the victims and he expresses the hope that the merciful God, Creator and Redeemer of all mankind, may heal the wounds of the victims and grant them inner peace,» the communiqué added.
In addition to the victims, the Holy Father also met with some people who care for those injured by these crimes.