Head of German Church apologises to abuse victims

VATICAN CITY, March 12 (Reuters) - The head of Germany's Catholic Church apologised to victims of child abuse by priests after meeting Pope Benedict on Friday, and said the pope had encouraged him to take steps to tackle the problem.

Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, head of the German Bishops' Conference, said the German Church was taking steps to counsel victims, investigate abuse allegations and prevent a recurrence. He noted paedophilia was not confined to the Catholic Church.

In recent weeks, more than 100 reports have emerged of abuse at Catholic institutions in Germany, including one linked to the prestigious Regensburg choir run by the Pope's brother from 1964-1994. (Editing by Andrew Dobbie)