Pope Benedict may issue apology for clerical sex abuse

POPE Benedict XVI may issue a mea culpa for clerical sex abuse at a June meeting of the world’s priests at the Vatican.

The summit, from June 9 to 11, was initially called to mark the end of the Vatican’s year of the priest, but has morphed into a pep rally for the Pope as he comes under fire amid a new wave of reports on sex abuse by clerics.

Now, according to the top Vatican official dealing with abuse, it’s possible Benedict may issue some form of an apology.

Cardinal William Levada, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told US public broadcaster PBS that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the pontiff issues a mea culpa at the meeting.