Pope Benedict XVI apologises for 'pain and suffering' of sex abuse victims

Speaking in Sydney, Australia, Pope Benedict said: "I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured.

"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation.

"Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."

The comments are believed to be the first time the pope has specifically apologised for sexual abuse by clergy.

The pope confronted sexual abuse in the Church in the United States during a visit to Washington in April, meeting victims and vowing to keep paedophiles out of the priesthood.

But his words in Australia were stronger than those he used in the United States.

Bishops in the United States and elsewhere were found to have moved clergy who had sexually abused minors from parish to parish instead of defrocking them or handing them to authorities.

In the United States alone, dioceses have paid more than £1 billion in settlements of suits with victims, forcing some dioceses to sell off properties and declare bankruptcy.

But victims' group Broken Rites said: "Sorry is not enough. Victims want action, not just words."

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