September 22, 2011. (Romereports.com) During his flight to Berlin, the pope said, to some extent, he
understands the reasoning of those who choose to leave the Church
because of its sex abuse scandals.
But he also said, being part of a Church, “is not like being part of a cultural association, where one can leave if the group doesn't meet expectations.” So, the pope asked those who are leaving the Church because of the scandals, to stay and to help fight the problem from within.
Benedict XVI“I can understand that with such information, especially if the victim is someone close, one can say: 'This is not my Church: The Church was a humanizing force for me, a force of morals. If its representatives do the opposite, I'm leaving.' It's important to know that being part of the Church is not like being in an association. Instead it's like being on the boat of the Lord, where there are good fish and bad fish.”During his meeting with the press, the pope also said he thinks those who oppose his visit, have a right to protest, as long as the protest is civilized.
Benedict XVI“I respect all who express disagreement. It's part of our freedom. We must take note that those who oppose Catholicism are strong in our society. When this opposition is shown in a civil way, I'm not opposed to it.”
The Pope added that he knows there are many people in Germany who welcome him with open arms. Especially he said, because they are convinced that there is a great need for convictions, moral force and a strong presence of God.
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