Catholic Church Pedophiles and Sexual Predators

Pope Benedict is outraged that the Belgian authorities confiscated a computer and various records which apparently documented over 500 sexual abuse cases, even though the authorities had warrants and followed all appropriate procedures. The Pope's press releases seem to indicate that he feels the church and the governmental authorities should both investigate. And that their two investigations are of equal importance.

In any large organization, business, or sect the leaders are expected to do what is necessary and appropriate to prevent sexual abuse by the powerful against the rank and file. If the leaders have any reason to suspect that sexual harassment may be occurring or may have occurred, it is their duty to look into the matter. If then it appears that in fact some sexual abuse may have taken place they have a responsibility and legal obligation to notify the governmental authorities. It would be normal for them to turn over to the government any information they have, including all records and documents. The Belgian church should have provided these documents concerning the 500 cases of sexual abuse years ago. Instead they hid them from the secular authorities.

If BP conducts a sexual harassment investigation and finds that something incorrect took place, they are expected to notify the authorities and then help them in all ways possible. If the head of BP issues a press release saying that he considers his company's investigation to be treated equally to the government's investigation, it is sure proof he is completely out of touch with reality.

More and more it feels like this is the Pope's problem. He is somewhere out in space.
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LATER ADDENDUM: Victim's rights groups are expressing outrage at the Pope's statements. It seems that once again the Catholic Church is choosing secrecy and protection for the pedophile priests rather than protection for the children who they sexually abused.

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