Abuse protests greet papal visit

(EPA)

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday urged the faithful to remain in the Catholic Church as he began a state visit to Germany, where record numbers of worshippers have quit in protest against child sex abuse by priests. A record 181,000 German Catholics officially quit the Church last year. The German-born pontiff said he understood why some people, especially abuse victims and their loved ones, felt "scandalised by these crimes" and that "this is no longer my church" – but he said it was working to right the wrongs.

He was greeted by protests and boycotted by 100 MPs when he addressed the German parliament.