Cardinal Rigali Accepts Inquirer's Apology for Headline/Lead Story

Archdiocese of Philadelphia
September 23, 2005

Philadelphia, September 23, 2005 -- Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, today issued the following statement in response to an apology issued by the Philadelphia Inquirer for a story and headline which ran on the front page of today's Inquirer.

Cardinal Rigali said, "Today, I received a statement of apology from the Philadelphia Inquirer for its false headline and misleading story which ran in today's paper. I appreciate the forthright manner in which the Inquirer handled this matter. I accept their apology and reiterate the fact that I never said that Catholics should not read the report. I only said that it was not of value for families. I also take this opportunity to reiterate my heartfelt and sincere apologies to the victims of clergy sexual abuse and my continued prayers for healing."

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The Philadelphia Inquirer issued the following press release on Friday, September 23:

The following is a statement from
Amanda Bennett, editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer:

A front-page article and headline published in the Friday, September 23
edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer about Cardinal Justin Rigali's views of
the grand jury report on sexual abuse by priests incorrectly summarized his
statements. In response to a question, Cardinal Rigali said that the report
was "graphic," "slanted" and of questionable value to families, but made no
statement saying whether Catholics should read the report.

The Inquirer wants its news report to be fair and correct in every
respect, and regrets when it is not.

If you have a question or comment, contact Amanda Bennett by phone at
215-854-2529; or mail at The Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia, PA 19101; or
e-mail abennett@phillynews.com.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

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