Thousands flock to Vatican to back pope over abuse

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Writer
Sun May 16, 2010

VATICAN CITY – More than 100,000 people filled St. Peter's Square on Sunday in a major show of support for Pope Benedict XVI over the clerical sex abuse scandal.

Benedict said he was comforted by such a "beautiful and spontaneous show of faith and solidarity" and again denounced what he called the "sin" that has infected the church and needs to be purified.

Citing estimates from Vatican police, the Vatican press office said 150,000 people had turned out for the demonstration organized by an association of 68 Italian lay groups. the rest