Pope greets pilgrims from papal retreat near Rome, no mention of abuse scandal

Pope greets pilgrims at retreat near Rome

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI has greeted pilgrims and delivered a prayer from his retreat near Rome, making no mention of the sex abuse scandal rocking the Catholic Church.

Benedict is coming off a busy Easter week clouded by accusations that the Vatican, and he personally, have failed to protect children from abusive priests.

Pilgrims applauded and cheered Monday as he greeted them in several languages and wished them a Happy Easter.

At the Easter Sunday Mass, a senior cardinal defended Benedict from the accusations, calling them “petty gossip.” Cardinal Angelo Sodano hailed Benedict for “unfailing” leadership and courage.

After the Easter ceremonies, Benedict went to the Castel Gandolfo papal retreat for a few days of rest.