By the CNN Wire Staff
March 20, 2010 7:23 a.m. EDT
Pope Benedict XVI says he is "truly sorry" for abuse suffered.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Pope says he is "disturbed" by details of child abuse cases in Irish church
- Pope: "I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal"
- Scandal over abuse by clergy has shaken deeply Catholic Ireland
(CNN) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Saturday he is "truly sorry" for the abuse suffered by victims at the hands of Catholic priests in Ireland.
The pope directly addressed the church abuse crisis that has rocked the Irish Catholic Church in an 18-page letter, which was made public Saturday. It is expected to be read in churches across Ireland on Sunday.
"I have been deeply disturbed by the information which has come to light regarding the abuse of children and vulnerable young people by members of the church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious," the pope wrote. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/20/pope.letter.abuse.ireland/index.html?hpt=T1
