This week's pilgrimage to the United States is all about bring hope to those who are despairing. Amidst the throngs of faithful who were present at Nationals Stadium earlier today for the celebration of an outdoor Mass, and against the joyous greetings reserved for the Holy Father by the bishops, priests and catechists who listened with wrapt attention to his words of challenge and encouragement, there is another group who also want their hour in the limelight, or maybe just a little light at the end of the tunnel will suffice.
The Vatican Press Office announced late today that this afternoon, at about 4:30 pm local time, Benedict met with some alleged victims of abuse by clergy. Accompanied by Sean Cardinal O'Malley, OFM - yep that's the one who'se been fondly dubbed as the blogging Cardinal - those in attendance were given an occasion to speak with the Pontiff about the abuse they have suffered, and they found a compassionate welcome as the pope responded with words of encouragement, understanding and hope.
Reaction to this meeting is mixed, as might be expected. While some still maintain that this was merely a minute gesture aimed at quelling the voices that have called for the pope's attention ever since he left Rome a few days ago, others see this meeting as a significant moment in bringing peace to some very troubled souls.
- CNS report about the meeting of the Pope with victims of sexual abuse by priests
- ZENIT coverage of the meeting with sexual abuse victims
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Three themes of this visit seem to come to the forefront: reconciliation (requesting forgiveness for abuses), recognition and reaching out to numerous faiths (a first step toward unity?), and a calling for a return to a spiritual priority (move toward God and away from materialism). Time to reconcile with one another and with God.
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