(NECN: Scot Yount, East Longmeadow, Mass.) - A Massachusetts Priest says Pope Benedict should admit church mistakes in the abuse crisis or resign. The Reverend James Scahill has been a longtime critic of the church's handling of the abuse crisis. That was made clear during his homily on Sunday.
Father James Scahill: "A systemic cover-up of the abuse of children and minors for decades if not longer."
Father James Scahill is an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church's handling of the sexual abuse crisis. Sunday in his sermon he called on the Pope and other church leaders whom he believes have known about sexual abuse for decades to admit what they knew and when, or step down.
Father James Scahill: "If he could do this, if he would do this, I believe he will be remembered as a great pontiff but if he can't do this, and he won't do this, then integrity should lead him to resign."
Pope Benedict has been heavily criticized for his handling of some abuse cases and today, the Vatican published an online guide with rules for handling sex abuse charges against priests and defended the pope's handling of the media storm.
Father James Scahill: "Now I am glad they are doing the right thing, but the only reason they are doing the right thing, is they were caught doing the wrong thing."
Parishioners have generally been supportive.
Father James Scahill: "Well the last two masses they gave me a standing ovation."
Sheri Yarrow/Supports Father Scahill: "It was very powerful and I think he has got a good honest message to tell the public"
Jennifer Brown/Supports Father Scahill: "He speaks the way other priests aren't comfortable speaking. He says what he wants to say and he says what he feels."
The Bishop of Springfield, released a statement which said in part, "There is a sad irony in that Fr. Scahill's remarks were delivered on Divine Mercy Sunday, a day on which the Church throughout the world re-affirms Christ's forgiveness, reconciliation and mercy towards all his followers."
Father James Scahill: "The Bishop and the Priest don't agree with me. That is their problem not mine. All I have done is speak the truth. When is truth wrong, unless the truth is honing in on what is wrong?"
