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Pope Benedict XVI Visits America
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Pope Addresses Abuse, Priest Recruitment Problems

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Apr 21, 2008 10:17 am US/Eastern

Pope Addresses Abuse, Priest Recruitment Problems

Reporting
Magee Hickey
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Pope Benedict XVI's trip to America focused on spiritual renewal, but also highlighted serious issues facing the Catholic Church. In many ways, Catholic leaders have a new mandate in trying to solve major challenges.

The Pope made it a priority to heal the wounds of the sex abuse crisis. He personally met with with victims. "We are deeply ashamed and we will do all that is possible that this cannot happen in the future," he said.

Vatican officials are considering revisions to Canon Law, making it easier to remove predator priests. Another proposal offered was to implement a better screening process in selecting men for the priesthood.

"I believe he sent a message of hope. But I also think he put out a strong message to his bishops, as the shepherd of that flock," said Alan Horne, an abuse victim who met with the Pope.

Another challenge the Pontiff addressed concerned inspiring qualified men to actually join the priesthood, showcasing the issue with a stop at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers.

"I think God is calling many, many young men to the priesthood. But I think his voice easily gets drowned out in the age in which we live," seminarian Brian Graebe said.

And as far as inspiring the masses to rediscover their faith, the Pope clearly focused on the youth.

One young man exclaimed, "Isn't it crazy that the pope would hold this party for all these teenagers!"

Another simply voiced his admiration for the Pontiff, saying, "Pope Benedict is the bomb."

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