Pope issues apology to clergy victims

SYDNEY, July 12 (UPI) -- The Catholic Church is sorry for the sexual abuse endured by individuals in Australia at the hands of Catholic priests, Pope Benedict XVI said Saturday.

The pope said he intends to extend his apology to the victims during his upcoming participation in World Youth Day, The Sydney Morning Herald reported in its Sunday edition.

"We have to consider what was insufficient in our behavior and how we can prevent, heal, reconcile," he said. "This is the essential content of what we will say as we apologize."

The pope's comments come days after the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, agreed to reopen an inquiry into an alleged sexual abuse claim against a member of the clergy.

The Herald reported the pope, who is visiting Australia for 10 days as part of the global celebration, also called on Catholics worldwide to protect the world by being environmentally friendly.

"We have our responsibilities toward creation," Benedict said.