Pope speaks out against child abuse

VATICAN CITY, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Monday from Vatican City he condemns violence against children, particularly acts of abuse committed within the Catholic Church.

The Italian news agency ANSA said the pope made his comments during an assembly of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family and Benedict said acts of abuse within the church violated basic principles of Christianity.

"Over the centuries the church, following in Christ's footsteps, has promoted the protection of the dignity and rights of minors,'' the pope said.

''Unfortunately, there have been several cases in which its members have acted against this commitment and violated the rights (of children)," Benedict added.

The pope also took time Monday to address the impact that family problems such as divorce can have on children, ANSA reported.

"Divisions between parents, particularly separation and divorce, are not without consequences for children,'' Benedict said.

"Children want to be loved by a mother and a father that love one another,'' he added.