Pope Benedict, Abuse and Youth

Pope Benedict XVI surprised nearly everyone when he made personal apologies for past sex abuse by clergy a centerpiece of his U.S. visit three months ago.

Now that he is in Sydney for World Youth Day, the surprise is gone. Abuse is a chief topic in the Australian media. The Holy Father told reporters aboard his plane en route to Sydney: “We have to consider what was insufficient in our behavior and how we can prevent, heal, reconcile. This is the essential content of what we will say as we apologize.”

In other words, he is bringing his message of healing around the world.

Americans were very grateful and heartened by the message here, and many said it allowed them to return to their faith. Australia will see the same transformation. After all, they’ll see something Americans didn’t: hundreds of thousands of young people shouting and singing their enthusiasm for the faith, proving that love is the real legacy of the Church.

President

The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees invites applications and nominations for the position of President. The new president will succeed Dr. Edward Dadez, who first joined Saint Leo University in 2000, became president in 2022, and is retiring. President Dadez’ leadership has provided stability and enhanced financial sustainability.

Waiting with joyful hope for the dawn of Easter morning.

Completing Lent Properly

This weekend we embark upon the holiest week of the year. It is an opportunity to journey with our Lord and have revealed to us the glory of the Paschal Mystery. This week on Register Radio, Register contributor Fr. Jeffrey Kirby returns to help us finish our lent properly. And, the fashion giant Chanel is restoring Aubazine Abbey, a jewel of medieval Cistercian heritage nestled in the heart of southwestern France. Solène Tadié, Europe Correspondent for the National Catholic Register, tells us why.