LOS ANGELES – Cardinal Roger Mahony says he's been publicly humiliated in recent days by unhappy people who are angry over his handling of the clergy abuse scandal.
The recently retired archbishop of the Los Angeles archdiocese said in a blog update posted Thursday that he understands the depth of their anger and has asked God to bless and forgive them.
Recently released files show that Mahony and other top archdiocese officials maneuvered behind the scenes to shield priests accused of sex abuse to protect the church from scandal.
Mahony has apologized and contends he turned the archdiocese into a leader in terms of safeguarding children.
In his blog, the cardinal says he feels he is praying during Lent for the grace to endure the public criticism.
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