Papal Visit

Pope Tackles Sex, Violence & The Media

NEW YORK (CBS) ― One of larger questions hanging over Benedict's first U.S. trip as pontiff was whether and how he would address the clergy sex abuse scandal, which has claimed thousands of victims, cost the church more than $2 billion in court costs and settlements and led six dioceses to declare bankruptcy.

The pope has talked about it early, often and with conviction, although not to the satisfaction of many victims and their advocates.

In an address to U.S. bishops Wednesday night at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Benedict called the scandal a "deep shame." He decried the "enormous pain" that communities have suffered from such "gravely immoral behavior."

He also said the problem needs to be viewed in the wider context of secularism and the over-sexualization of America, and called for "a determined, collective response."

Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin, Texas, chairman of the bishops' Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, said Benedict made it clear that more work remains and the impact of the scandal damages not just the Catholic church but faith in God.

"Some would say the crisis is over," Aymond said. "As long as victims are still hurting and broken and there is a need for reconciliation, it is still critical. At the same time, we want to recognize that we as a church have moved forward ... The Holy Father gets it."

Aymond also welcomed Benedict's endorsement of Chicago Cardinal Francis George's comment that the crisis had been "very badly handled."

"I believe we have to tell it like it is, and I was glad that he said that," Aymond said. "All of us as bishops, as leaders, have to examine our consciences."

Advocates for victims have complained that no bishops have been disciplined for failing to warn parents and police about abusers.

Although the comments on sexual abuse were much anticipated, Benedict's address went well beyond them. He talked about Catholics' responsibility to raise their voices in the public square, the need to encourage more men to enter the priesthood, the influx of Hispanic immigrants who have transformed the church, and the importance of strengthening families.

Praising the American spirit, the pope sees the United States as a nation guided by moral conviction. But he also sees a nation where secularism often overshadows spirituality. According to him, the sex abuse scandal was part of a larger problem.

"What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available to them?" asked Benedict.

Echoing past statements, he blamed the media for promoting what he calls a "crude manipulation of sexuality. Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships," Benedict said.

The pope sees a solution, and offers this advice:

"All have a part to play in this, not only parents, religious leaders, teachers and catechists but the media and entertainment industries as well."

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