As a descendant of Irish peasants and a graduate of a Catholic high school, I personally know that “Catholic guilt” can be a cruel and unyielding master. Little did I know that that same Catholic guilt is used to decide some of the most important decisions in the United States government.

In Malta earlier today Pope Benedict met with a group who had been abused by Catholic clergy as children. He expressed "shame and sorrow," and, according to some reports, was moved to tears by their tales. [BBC]