Vatican spokesman to AP: Pope sees abuse crisis as ‘test for him and the church’

Vatican to AP: Pope sees sex abuse crisis as test

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI sees the clerical abuse crisis as a “test for him and the church.”

The Vatican spokseman, Rev. Federico Lombardi, told The Associated Press on Wednesday the pontiff is holding up well physically but is enduring a Holy Week of “penitence and humility.”

Benedict hasn’t spoken out about the crisis since he released a letter to Irish bishops March 20 excoriating them for gross errors of judgment in handling abuse cases.

Holy Week, the most solemn week on the church calendar, includes a ceremony Thursday in which Benedict will wash the feet of 12 priests in a symbol of humility. Benedict will also preside over a reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday, a vigil service Saturday and Easter Sunday.