
American leaders could learn quite a bit from the current Pope. When then Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope many in the United States groaned with disapproval at the idea of the ultra-conservative Ratzinger guiding the Church. Well since then I think that we owe the now Pope Benedict a very sincere sorry for doubting you. Sure, he has upset Muslims and Protestants with his frank talk about other religions, but that frankness comes from a sincere wish to talk honestly about what makes us different so then we can take a good hard look at what we can agree on.
Well the Pope is once again taking on a tough subject with pastoral humility. On his current trip to Australia for World Youth day the pontiff will meet with and ask forgiveness from members of the Church who were sexual abused. I have never made any excuses for the Churches mishandling of the sexual abuse crisis but I have to give the Pope a hand, he’s not sticking his head in the sand about it. Whether you like him or not, compared to leadership in the United States this man believes in the Church and it’s mission so he addresses the very real shortcomings of Catholicism in an effort to reach and help others.
(more here)