Image from the Independent Catholic News report
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After Pope Benedict's visit to the UK last year, the number of people reporting that they had been abused in the past by priests more than doubled, reports the Independent Catholic News.
Baroness Patricia Scotland, Director of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC), said there had been 40 complaints in 2009, and 83 in 2010.
She was speaking at the launch of the NCSC's Annual Report 2010-11, adding that the commission was both "challenged and heartened" by this and attributed the increase to the fact that Pope Benedict had met with abuse survivors on a few occasions.
She said that more people had felt confident enough to come forward to report incidents of abuse in the hope of finding some kind of reconciliation and closure.
"Pope Benedict had a few opportunities to listen and clearly connected with people in a way which was palpable and genuine."
The Pope had shown leadership and given an example of pastoral care that he hoped the bishops would emulate, Baroness Scotland said. She hoped this would give people confidence to approach the Church in the knowledge that they would be supported.
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Increase in number of abuse reports after Papal Visit (Independent Catholic News)
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Image from the Independent Catholic News report