Roman Catholic Church leaders from around the world gathered today in Rome to discuss clergy sexual abuse. Towards Healing and Renewal at the Pontifical Gregorian University has attracted hundreds of Church leaders to discuss ways to deal with clergy sexual abuse on a global scale. The horrendous crime of sexually abusing children notwithstanding, why the symposium was organized and what it will accomplish seem to depend on your attitude toward the scandal. The press is not allowed to view the symposium’s presentations, but press conferences are being held and presenters have been available for interviews. Here is a bit of the initial media coverage:

• Pope Urges Renewal as Vatican Hosts Anti-abuse Summit, Agence France-Presse
• Abuse Survivor: Some Wonder if Vatican-sponsored Initiative Is only PR; Apologies Not Enough, Associated Press
• Vatican Sex Abuse Summit: Don’t Wait for the Media to Make Us Ask, National Catholic Reporter
• Catholics in Unprecedented Abuse Talks, news.com.au (Australia)

Voice of the Faithful issues its statement on the symposium Jan. 24.