Pope Benedict has marked the end of this unfortunately-timed (thanks to Satan?) “Year for Priests” with more apologies for the clergy abuse scandal, asking for forgiveness and vowing during a huge rally of clergy in St. Peter’s Square to do “everything possible” to prevent such horrors from happening again. He also staunchly defended celibacy, however, which some Catholics blame for declining vocations — a significant obstacle if the church wants a wider pool of psychologically healthy candidates — and argue should no longer be mandatory (in addition to the exceptions already made for some priests on a case-by-case basis).

My Top 5 List of related links:

• Pope defends celibacy for priests at Vatican rally (Associated Press)
• Pope Benedict rejects calls to end celibacy rule (L.A. Times)
• As priests rally to defend pope, pope defends celibacy (National Catholic Reporter)
• Pope Asks Forgiveness for Clergy Sex Scandals; No Word on Bishops (Politics Daily)
• Pope addresses priest abuse scandal (CNN)

Plus a bonus: Will Pope Benedict’s apologies for abuse crisis ever be enough? (USA Today)

The answer, according to victims advocate groups I’ve followed during this crisis, seems to be: No. Not unless those words are accompanied by drastic, definitive action.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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