What a curious response to claims of paedophilia by priests of the Roman Catholic church !
There seems to be a concerted campaign to dismiss the torrent of charges pouring out of Ireland, Germany and the USA as a mischievous " smear " attack by enemies of the church.
The Pope has apologised but dismisses responsibility and stubbornly refuses to submit erring priests to the same retribution that awaits lay people accused of that heinous crime.
The church refuses to hand priests to the police or dismiss them from the priesthood. Punishment - if any - is decided by the church and in most cases the offender is simply moved to another parish - where he may continue to offend.
It seems that this revolves around the claim that the Vatican is a state - and therefore the Pope as head of state - is beyond having to answer to international law.
This raises an interesting question.
The International court of justice has issued apprehend orders for various rogue heads of state and it is quite possible that his order that priestly misconduct be not referred to the police could result in an arrest order issued against him in many foreign countries.
It is unlikely to happen, but when the Pope travels abroad he would be wise to think long and hard before setting foot on foreign soil.
At present the spokespeople for the church are busily trying to shoot the messengers. One thing made very clear is that there is no question of trying to deny that many crimes of paedophilia have occurred.
Whatever the outcome, the issue will leave an indelible stain on this Pope's years in office !
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