Pope Benedict XVI Talks About Sexual Abuse In Homily At His Historic First American Mass

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Pope Benedict XVI is in his third year as head of the Holy Roman Catholic Church presided over his historic first Mass in America where he heard about the history of Catholics in the country and spoke about sexual abuse in the Church during his homily.

In a Mass telecast live, the Holy See said the Church had come to appreciate the gifts of each individual and group and that it was ready to meet new challenges.

"I have come to America to confirm you," the Pope said, first citing his authority from the Apostle Peter.

He addressed his homily to all of America, although his primary audience was Catholics in America.

He also said he was there to call on the Lord for a larger "outpouring" of His spirit on America.

Pope Benedict called the Church in America a great chapter in the history of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

The Church is called to serve in greater unity," the Pope said, which in turn would "give rise to a greater missionary" output that would call on more people to come into the fold.

He called on all Catholics to "reaffirm" their faith. Saying, "The world needs this witness" because the world is at a crossroads, with great promise and interdependence as well as a "disturbing breakdown in the very foundations" of humanity.

Pope Benedict also expressed gratitude to his fellow Catholics for their faith. But he called on young people to learn to discern how to choose the path that will lead to true freedom. And he called on parents and leaders to offer better instruction, especially on urgent issues that affect the future of America.

"Americans have always been a people of hope," Pope Benedict said, citing the American experience of starting anew. But he said that new start was not enjoyed by all, mentioning the American Indians and those brought here as slaves. Still, he said, there has always been hope here marking the lives of people here, including Catholics.

Then he began talking about the pain suffered by those who were sexually abused as minors and called on the Catholic community to help the children more to ensure they can "grow up in a safe environment."

He urged all to "foster healing and reconciliation" to all who have been hurt and also to love and to offer mercy to their priests.

He spoke of the need for hope and a new beginning in the Church for God's people in America. He said that there was a liberating power in the sacrament that should be rediscovered. He said that through penance renewal could be inspired and accomplished in the Church. He called for forgiveness, being evangelical to build a more just and free world.

"Those that have hope must live different lives," Pope Benedict said. He called on church members in America to live better lives.

He was applauded. Then he began to deliver his homily in Spanish.

Before he began his address, the Pope had called for the preparation of the Eucharist by saying that they should pray to "the Lord for power and strength."

"May the Lord have mercy on us, forgive us of our sins and deliver us to everlasting life," the Pope said and the choir sang the hymn "Gloria," with verses first in Latin, then breaking into English.

Pope Benedict is on a six-day visit to the U.S. and has come with a message of faith and hope, the head of the Miami diocese said.

Part of the Pope's address will be in Spanish, he speaks 10 languages. And the first address during the Mass was given in Spanish. The Pope is reaching out to Hispanics who represent a large percentage of the Catholic Church in America.

He had ended his opening prayer by saying "one God forever and ever."

In a welcome address before he spoke, the Pope was told that the first Catholics came to America centuries ago and the first Mass in America was celebrated in Maryland on March 25, 1634. He was also told that Catholics from around the world including Asia, Africa, Europe and South America were among the American flock, along with descendants of immigrants going back to 1634.