Pope tells Yorkshire abuse victims of his 'deep sorrow and shame'

The Pontiff met five victims of sexual abuse by priests, the Vatican confirmed.

A statement from the Holy See said: "He was moved by what they had to say and expressed his deep sorrow and shame over what victims and their families had suffered.

"He prayed with them and assured them that the Catholic Church is continuing to implement effective measures designed to safeguard young people, and that it is doing all in its power to investigate allegations, to collaborate with civil authorities and to bring to justice clergy and religious accused of these egregious crimes."

Bill Kilgallon, chairman of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC), told the BBC: "They were understandably quite emotional at the prospect of meeting the Pope but looking forward to the opportunity to tell him about their experiences."

Three of the victims who met the Pope in London this afternoon were from the Yorkshire area, one was from the capital and one from Scotland, the Church said.

Earlier today the Pontiff, in the most strongly worded public apology of his state tour so far, spoke of the "shame and humiliation" brought by the scandal as he addressed a congregation in London's Westminster Cathedral.

Speaking at the cathedral this morning, the Pope said: "I think of the immense suffering caused by the abuse of children, especially within the Church and by her ministers.

"Above all, I express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes, along with my hope that the power of Christ's grace, his sacrifice of reconciliation, will bring deep healing and peace to their lives.

"I also acknowledge with you the shame and humiliation which all of us have suffered because of these sins."

The apology comes after he acknowledged this week that the Catholic Church had failed to deal with abusive priests decisively or quickly enough.

Pope Benedict XVI delivered his address as six men remained in police custody after they were arrested over an alleged plot to attack him.

Five street cleaners were detained yesterday morning as armed officers swooped on a depot as they prepared to start their shift. Hours later a sixth man was arrested at a home in north London.

The Pontiff met political figures at Westminster this morning, chatting with Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and acting opposition leader Harriet Harman.

Pope Benedict XVI's state visit has not been without controversy and his presence prompted an estimated 11,000 people to take to the streets of central London to voice their displeasure over the Vatican's stance on gay rights, the use of condoms and the Church's response to clerical sex abuse.

The anti-Papal protests were generally good-natured, with organisers speaking of their surprise at the larger than expected turnout.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "The Vatican isn't a state, it is not recognised as a country by the UN.

"To give the Pope head of state status is wrong and to give him immunity against prosecution is wrong - no one should be above the law."

Comedian Al Murray also figured among the crowd.

He said: "Like a lot of people I am perplexed that it is a state visit.

"The Pope's opposition to condoms kills people.

"It is all very well him lecturing us on morals but he should look at his own organisation's view."

Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society (NSS), said "the days of popes is over".

He explained: "This is a secular country, we are a secular nation.

"The Pope should take his religion home with him and leave us to arrange our society as we want it."

The Pope was due to preach to a more supportive crowd this evening at a prayer vigil in front of thousands of people in Hyde Park.