WASHINGTON (AP) - Pope Benedict continues to address the clergy sex abuse scandal that rocked the American church.

Appearing in scarlet vestments before tens of thousands at Washington's brand-new baseball stadium, the pope said he didn't have the words to "describe the pain and harm inflicted by such abuse."

The scandal has claimed thousands of victims, cost the church more than 2 billion dollars in court costs and settlements and forced six dioceses to declare bankruptcy.

While celebrating Mass at an altar erected in centerfield, Benedict called for healing and reconciliation, and for assistance to the victims.

Last night, the pope called the scandal a "deep shame" and lamented the "enormous pain" that communities have suffered from such "gravely immoral behavior."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)