NY priest ‘deeply regrets’ sex abuse comment

Topics: From the Wires,

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York priest says he “deeply regrets” his comment that priests accused of child sex abuse are often seduced by their accusers.

The Rev. Benedict Groeschel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal apologized Thursday for comments he made in an interview with the National Catholic Register published this week. The website for the Register removed the story and also apologized for publishing the comments.

Groeschel said he did not intend to blame the victim. He said a priest or anyone else who abuses a minor is always wrong. He said his mind is not as clear as it used to be, and he “deeply regrets” the comment.

The friars said Groeschel had been in a car accident years ago, and his cognitive ability has been failing.

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