Synod says mea culpa for abuse, 'we feel ashamed'

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 1 - The synod of Roman Catholic bishops said a mea culpa for clerical child sex abuse Tuesday saying "we feel ashamed".
    A request for forgiveness pronounced on behalf of the Church by Cardinal Sean O'Malley during a penitential vigil in St. Peter's said: "I ask for forgiveness, feeling ashamed, for all the times that we faithful have been complicit or have directly committed abuses of conscience, abuses of power, and sexual abuse. How much shame and pain I feel when considering especially the sexual abuse committed against minors and vulnerable people, who have stolen innocence and desecrated the sacredness of those who are weak and defenseless. I ask for forgiveness, feeling ashamed, for all the times that we have used the condition of the ordained ministry and consecrated life to commit this terrible sin, feeling safe and protected while we diabolically took advantage of the little ones and the poor. Forgive us, Lord". (ANSA).