feb 6, 2017 - "Australian bishops apologize for Church's failure in sex abuse crisis" CNA 2017, Feb 6

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Days before Australia's Royal Commission on institutional sex abuse begins their final hearing into the Church's response to their abuse crisis, the country's bishops have issued several statements expressing sorrow for past failures, and committing to do more to protect children.

"Deeply mindful of the hurt and pain caused by abuse, I once again offer my apology on behalf of the Catholic Church," Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne, president of the Australian Bishops' Conference, said in a Feb. 5 letter to the faithful of Australia.

"I am sorry for the damage that has been done to the lives of victims of sexual abuse. As Pope Francis said recently, 'it is a sin that shames us.'"