The Pope Apologizes for Sexual Abuse Scandals

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday said he was "deeply sorry' for the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic clergy in Australia, describing the offenses as evil and a grave betrayal of trust.

"I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country," Benedict said during an address at a Mass in Sydney.

"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured. I assure them as their pastor that I too share in their suffering," he said.

"Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."

For more, visit the Associated Press.

The American Dollar: Is is Even Worth the Paper It's Printed On?

As part of my 15-year old daughter's summer experience, she is busy traipsing around Sydney, Australia hanging out with everything from the locals to kangaroos for the historic bi-annual World Youth Day. This historic pilgrimage has drawn over 200,000 people from around the globe on the quest for spiritual inspiration, fellowship and a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.

In her travels and through her e-mail communication, my child has had to deal with the harsh reality of just how little the American dollar is valued right now. She shares how $60 American dollars plus $30 New Zealand dollars only netted her $67 Australian dollars, while a Big Mac Value meal at the local Mickie D's (aka McDonald's) can set you back $12 American dollars.

I can't help but think that to the rest of the world America is having a fire sale. It seems as everything from real estate to banks must go. These can be scary times.

Internet access down under is even limited to the tune of $6 an hour for usage.

I can only pray this economic raping and pillaging of our country will end soon. At the very least, I pray our nation's strength in holding on for what promises to be a bumpy ride.