BBC News
Pope Benedict has led the Catholic Church since 2005, and his papacy has reflected his belief that the Catholic Church should retain its core traditional, conservative values in an era of rapid change.
He rejected calls for a debate on the issue of clerical celibacy, and reaffirmed the ban on Communion for divorced Catholics who remarry. He has also said the Church’s strict positions on abortion, euthanasia and gay partnerships were “not negotiable”.
This outspoken orthodoxy has divided liberals and more traditional Catholics, while the recent leaking of personal documents suggests a lack of control over the machinations of the Vatican.
How has Benedict XVI managed the world’s largest Christian community? We asked six scholars and analysts for their perspective on key areas of the pontificate. …
Sex abuse – David Clohessy
We were never pleased with how Pope Benedict handled the clergy sex abuse and covered up the crisis. That is why we filed suit against him and other Vatican officials in the International Criminal Court.
Since 1981, when he headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Benedict had primary responsibility for dealing with the clergy sex crimes.
His refusal to decisively address the epidemic – and discipline Church officials who protected predator priests – was exacerbated when he became Pope.
The next pontiff must do more to safeguard children.
He should stop issuing apologies and making gestures, and instead demote bishops who continue to conceal heinous crimes.
And he should insist that prelates work with secular authorities to craft and pass stronger child sex laws across the globe.
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