Addendum

Of all the people alive on earth today, the Holy Father Pope Benedict 16 is the only one I would say is the closest to having that purity of vision of a person that I have just described regarding God. This is a natural effect of his continual closeness to the Holy Spirit.



This is one reason that people need to be more discerning about his reaction to the sight of someone who has suffered in the sexual abuse cases, for example. When he hears your story and sees your tears, of course he does deeply understand and comprehend what you have told him, and of your pain. But in his eyes he does not see a damaged soul, he sees the purity of soul that remains innocent and undaunted, even as the mind, body and spirit have been darkened and wounded. When he says that he prays for the victims, he is telling the truth and that is not inaction. In his prayer he is working with the Holy Spirit to magnify and strengthen the recognition of the innocent and pure soul that remains and shines, underneath the bodily and spiritual hurt. When the Holy Father, who is so close to the Holy Spirit, prays, he is providing spiritual healing nurishment to the sexual abuse victims so that they may increasingly come to see the beauty of their souls that remain untouched, just as God sees them.

I hope this helps in understanding and full restoration.