June 10, 2010. In front of four thousand priests, the Vatican's second highest authority, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said cases of sexual abuse undermine the Church's credibility. But he also said that the pain caused by this will bring a “spiritual renewal”.

Card. Tarcisio Bertone
Vatican Secretary of State
“In this period we have had to carry the pain of infidelity, at times grave, of some members of the clergy who have negatively influenced the credibility of the Church.  Because of this, the Pope, responding to journalists on his trip to Portugal, spoke of a 'persecution' born within the Church.”

It was during a gathering of priests from all over the world organized by the Focolare and Schönstatt Movement, for the ending of the Year for Priests.

The cardinal said the pope is calling for “conversion and purification.”

Tarcisio Bertone
Vatican Secretary of State
“We must follow the path to conversion, purification and reconciliation with courage. Look for new paths to bring youths the beauty and richness of friendship with Jesus Christ in the communion with your Church.”

Cardinal Bertone repeated words the pope said on his way to Portugal, saying  persecution of the Church is born from sins of people from within the Church.
He also said celibacy is understood when one sees a priest as “a man of God”, not only when he prays or celebrates the sacraments but “in his whole life”, when he shows the “love and mercy” of God.

For that reason he said mankind needs priests who give themselves unconditionally.

PVB/IS
AM
-BN-