VATICAN CITY — Pope John Paul discussed the U.S. sex-abuse scandal with a group of American bishops Saturday, encouraging them to be more open to the needs of parishioners in the wake of a "crisis of confidence in the church's leadership."

The pontiff spoke with church officials from Pennsylvania and New Jersey -- including Justin Cardinal Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, and Archbishop John Myers of Newark -- at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, as part of the U.S. prelates' regularly scheduled meetings here.

John Paul noted that Roman Catholic bishops have "an unequivocal right and duty of governance." But he indicated that the approach of some American church leaders may have inadvertently driven a wedge between them and churchgoers.

During the scandal, dozens of reports emerged of abusive priests who had been moved from parish to parish rather than being punished. Victims' groups accused the church hierarchy of favouring the protection of priests over their victims, and many faithful were infuriated by the response of Catholic leaders.

"In our meetings, many of you have expressed your concern about the crisis of confidence in the church's leadership provoked by the recent sexual abuse scandals, the general call for accountability in the church's governance on every level and the relations between bishops, clergy and the lay faithful," the Pope told his American visitors.

John Paul said, however, that he was convinced the church would achieve "self-renewal."

The pontiff made clear that the authority of bishops was not in question, but that they needed to include the faithful more.

After meeting with the Pope, Myers said Vatican officials argued that the wake of the sex-abuse scandal could actually provide a chance for renewal.

"We have been told that it's a moment of purification and of opportunity, that if we use the opportunity we can help reinvigorate the American church," he said in a phone interview.

Myers also noted that the 84-year-old pontiff, who has Parkinson's disease and crippling knee and hip ailments, appeared in good form Saturday. "He read his speech himself and it was understandable. He was alert."