The Pope has met with victims of sex abuse by clergy just hours before flying out of Sydney following world youth day celebrations.
The four victims of sexual abuse and their supporters met with the Pope at St Mary’s cathedral house around 8am today, in private.
He listened to their stories and then went to mass with them.
He’s promised to continue to pray for them, their families and other victims – and assured them of his spiritual closeness to their pain.
A statement from the Vatican said the pontiff had held the meeting to again demonstrate his deep concern.
"As an expression of his ongoing pastoral concern for those who have been abused by members of the clergy, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today celebrated Mass with a representative group of victims," the statement said.
"He listened to their stories and offered them consolation.
"Assuring them of his spiritual closeness, he promised to continue to pray for them, their families and all victims.
"Through this paternal gesture, the Holy Father wished to demonstrate again his deep concern for all those who have suffered sexual abuse."
It follows Pope Benedicts apology to all victims of sexual abuse on Saturday, during a service at St Mary’s cathedral.
But many victims are saying the apology doesn’t go far enough – and are demanding compensation.