Pope apologises for 'evil' of child abuse

The 81-year-old Pope acknowledged that the abuse had “caused great pain” to victims and also damaged the church’s standing.

Reminding Catholic clergy of their vows of celibacy, he said it was an “urgent priority” to promote a safer environment for young people.

The pontiff said he hoped dealing effectively with the sex abuse issue would purify the church and promote healing and reconciliation.

The church in Australia, as in many other parts of the world, has faced strong criticism over allegations it tried to cover up abuses. Australian bishops apologised for past abuses in 2002.

No official figures are available, but support groups estimate there are thousands of Australian victims. Broken Rites says 107 Catholic priests and religious brothers have been sentenced in Australian courts on sex charges.

Some sex abuse victims attended a rally where 500 protesters opposed to the Pope’s stance on contraception and homosexuality hurled condoms at pilgrims marching through Sydney’s gay district on their way to the evening prayer vigil.

A day ahead of his final World Youth Day mass that organisers say will draw up to 500,000 worshippers, the pontiff also lamented growing secularism around the world that has left the church fighting flagging membership.

“We find ourselves immersed in a world that would set God aside,” he said.

The pontiff later presided over the vigil at a racecourse featuring musical and dance performances and readings by pilgrims amid a huge sea of flickering candles.