AUSTRALIA
9 News
Pope Benedict XVI has done nothing to help sexual abuse victims and has instead covered up crimes to protect the church, Australian advocates for victims of church sexual abuse say.
Melbourne lawyer Judy Courtin says the Pope had been “absolutely appalling” in his handling of the worldwide issue.
“He’s certainly been responsible for the Catholic Church’s policy of concealing and covering up (sexual abuse crimes),” Ms Courtin told AAP.
“And I know his edicts, coming from the Vatican to the bishops worldwide, have been such that there’s been threats of excommunication if they don’t keep these things secret.”
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