VATICAN CITY - Pope Bendeict XVI, buffeted by sex abuse scandals, was Sunday hailed as the "unfailing" leader of the church at the start of Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square. The cardinal's speech is part of the Vatican's campaign to fight back against accusations that Benedict's leadership was part of a cover-up of sex abuse of minors by clergy in many countries. Benedict, looking tired, listened as Sodano said the faithful wasn't listening to what he called "petty gossip". The dean of the College of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano, told the pope on Sunday that the faithful were rallying around Benedict and are grateful for his courage.