Pope confronts abuse issue in remarks to reporters

Talking to reporters Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI had strong words about the abuse scandals that have plagued the church, saying, ?sins inside the church? threatened Catholicism, and that ?forgiveness does not substitute justice.? The notion that penance is different from justice is significant as the church sees a clash between those who want to protect priests those who are fighting for more transparency.

Rome bureau chief for The New York Times, Rachel Donadio, covers the Vatican and was on the airplane with the Pope when he spoke to reporters.