April 13, 2010. In Malta, the pope could meet with victims of sexual abuse committed by priests. The victims have asked to meet with Benedict XVI to “heal” their wounds and to “overcome this trauma.”
The spokesman for the Vatican, Federico Lombardi, has said that even tough the trip will be “short” and the program is “intense”, he does not rule out the possibility of a meeting.
He has recognized that one of the priorities of the pope is to listen to all of the victims. So, if he cannot meet with them in his trip he will meet with then at another time.
Benedict XVI already met with victims of sexual abuse cases in prior visits to the United States and Australia.
Furthermore Federico Lombardi says the pope is ready to adopt new measures to fight against sexual abuse like with possible apostolic visits, meetings with the victims and expanding the methods of prevention and responses.
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