Pope sorry for priests' sex abuse

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Pope Benedict XVI has told Australians he is deeply sorry for the sexual abuse of children by some Catholic priests, BBC reports.

Speaking at a gathering of bishops in Sydney, the Pope spoke of the "shame we have all felt" and called for abusers to face justice.

A campaign group criticised the speech, saying the Pope should have met some victims to apologise in person.

The Pope was speaking as thousands of Catholic pilgrims began gathering for a candlelit prayer vigil in Sydney.

The pontiff will lead the vigil at the city's Royal Randwick Racecourse.

The Pope is in Australia to mark World Youth Day, which is drawing Catholics from around the world to the country.

Speaking earlier at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, he said: "I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured.