Retired pope asks pardon for handling of abuse cases but admits no wrongdoing

Benedict, the former cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, headed the archdiocese from 1977 to 1982

Retired pope Benedict XVI (AP)

Retired pope Benedict XVI has asked for forgiveness for any “grievous faults” in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases, but admitted to no personal or specific wrongdoing.

His statement came after an independent report criticised his actions in four cases while he was archbishop of Munich in Germany.