UNITED STATES
Sydney Morning Herald
Washington: Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he will step aside this month means “he still has two weeks” to take action against child sex abuse by church staff, a US victims’ group says.
The Pope announced earlier that he will resign because of old age, becoming the first pontiff in more than six centuries to step down in a move that stunned the world.
“No matter how tired or weak Pope Benedict may be, he still has two weeks to use his vast power to protect youngsters. Before he steps down, we hope he will show true leadership and compassion and take tangible action to safeguard vulnerable children,” read a statement by SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
“Imagine the shock waves – and the hope – that would be generated if, in his waning days, the pontiff demoted, disciplined, or defrocked even a handful of bishops who are concealing child sex crimes. And imagine the deterrent that would be to present and future cover-ups,” they stressed.
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