VATICAN CITY (AP) - The head of the Catholic Church in Italy urged seminaries to carefully screen candidates as a way to combat the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
Cardinal Camillo Ruini's speech Monday to a meeting of the Italian bishops' conference was the Italian church's first major statement on the issue of pedophilia since allegations of sexual abuse swept the church in the United States and other nations.
Public allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been rare in Italy, although experts say the problem certainly exists in a country where parishes often serve as the only recreational center for young people in small towns.
Ruini, cardinal of Rome and president of the bishops' conference, urged "rigorous clarity" in the case of scandals "for the love and respect of minors and their families."