Top: Tom Doyle and, bottom, Pope Benedict

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anyone who studies the history of the catholic church will find its doctrine derives from the brutal roman empire which hijacted the christian faith some 400 hundred years after it was established,what do these men men in the marble palace of the vatican have to do with christ and his teachings. Andrew an ex catholic

- andrew, limerick ireland, 22/01/2012 18:57
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Al;l we have to remember is the hierarchy operates under the code of OMERTA

In more ways then one.

BTW google "vatican bank scandal" - you will find a lot of info on how the vaticans own bank laundered money for criminals.

Most people do not realize that in italy, the mafia are not only in Sciicily, they are all over the coutty.

We should all wonder why the vatican hasnt used its resources to crush that monster.

- StanJames, Chicago, IL, 01/01/2012 06:36
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I fully believe that the catholic church is full of people who have covered up the disgusting truth about abuse for years. I believe that the current and past popes know fully well what is going on and do nothing about it.

To the people who have been abused I would like to say that I hope they can receive the help they need and not let what happened to them determine their future lives. The people who abused them are scum and should be tried and put in jail where they belong.

- holly, Ontario, Canada, 20/08/2011 04:30
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I have nothing wrong with christians or any religion, it is just people like the vatican that are just so hypocritical, I am pagan and i like to research different coltours and i have read and heard christians saying how pagans coppied the bible and are devil worshipers, "christians" killed millions of innocent people who followed the pagan religion (which is found to predate all over major religions(as far as i am aware) they say we are satanist and we are all evil when there isnt a devil in paganism and we dont want to pull you to the dark side, pagans believe that what you do comes back threefold and believe in personal choice, a true pagan would never try and get you to join the religion if you didnt agree and throught history the popes and vatican have covered up loads, in india during the crusade they starved the nativs then rammed beef and pork down there throat and killed them for no reason, the "church" sent out the knight templars around the world on a "holy crusade" and killed millions apparently in the name of God. I have also heard RUMOURS that the pope is ex-nazi. The vatican itself is lie, it says in the bible all men are equal, if that is true why do we need a pope? and just as a side note, in paganism nothing you do is evil, it is the intention behind it that is evil. I do not mean any harm by the things i have said i just want to inform people what i have learned about an edited/changed religion that i used to be part of and believed, and i dont follow evil

- Ben, Scunthorpe, England, 13/07/2011 14:57
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Its not just the catholic church i was a abused by a so called liberal catholic in a church called st albums south Africa as a child and this guy is still a priest 26 years later .I have writen to his bishop and got told so what i have gone to Interpol and was told so what . i am 41 years old now and still cant do any thing .

- little boy 12, WALES, 17/03/2011 15:37
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I once had a friend during my time at university. I always knew that he was a Catholic but that meant nothing to me. He was a very competent engineer and a good companion. He was quiet about his religion and I respected him. Some years later I met him on a long train journey. It was good to see him and we had a lot to talk about.

About an hour into the journey he asked me if I was a Catholic? I told him I wasn’t and he replied that I was ‘lucky’. He went to say that his experiences at the hands of the Catholic priesthood and nunnery had left him, in his own words, “without a chance in life”. He became distraught and near to tears as he told me about some of our mutual friend and how they to had been seriously emotionally damaged in early childhood, especially a girl that in some way had had a ‘special’ done to her.

He went on to say that it happened to them all – it was impossible to avoid it. He explained that this had nothing to do with sexual gratification but it was to secure them in the holy catholic faith and that the ‘sexual’ abuse of children is not the real story.

I of course asked him what it was that was that had been done but he would not say. We never met again – I sincerely wish him well!

- Bernie, UK, 02/01/2011 15:38
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I once had a friend during my time at university. I always knew that he was a Catholic but that meant nothing to me. He was a very competent engineer and a good companion. He was quiet about his religion and I respected him. Some years later I met him on a long train journey. It was good to see him and we had a lot to talk about.

About an hour into the journey he asked me if I was a Catholic? I told him I wasn’t and he replied that I was ‘lucky’. He went to say that his experiences at the hands of the Catholic priesthood and nunnery had left him, in his own words, “without a chance in life”. He became distraught and near to tears as he told me about some of our mutual friend and how they to had been seriously emotionally damaged in early childhood, especially a girl that in some way had had a ‘special’ done to her.

He went on to say that it happened to them all – it was impossible to avoid it. He explained that this had nothing to do with sexual gratification but it was to secure them in the holy catholic faith and that the ‘sexual’ abuse of children is not the real story.

I of course asked him what it was that was that had been done but he would not say. We never met again – I sincerely wish him well!

- Bernie, U.K., 02/01/2011 15:34
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John 8:32

- CaseyM, USA, 15/09/2010 04:35
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I feel so angry about this abuse and in fact stopped going to mass but the truth is I am very confused because I have not fell out with God or the Catholic Church for that matter, its the abusers. Yes I truly believe it happened but to all you lapsed catholics out there don't you think its about time we took part once again and be aloud to voice our opinions.Many people say we follow like sheep and thats true so enough is enough. Its now time to turn our church around, to have a bigger say. Try to remember there are a lot of kind priests who work tirelessly in places like africa so plese don't condemn them all. I'm trying hard not to and I hope in time I can return to my church without feeling extreme anger but not yet!!

- Mary McDonald, Glasgow Scotland, 12/09/2010 23:43
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I have yet to see reporters and news media tell the truth. Like all adventitious people, they write stories which garner them the most fame and fortune. Democrats loved it when the press attacked Republicans, and vice-versa. Anti-religious, and anti-Catholics in particular are currently enjoying this media fest. Anyone who has any real interest in the truth, should research the original documents himself, and then draw his own conclusion. I would not trust the reports fostered by a self serving reporter or media. God Bless the Real Truth Seekers.

May

- Jim, San Antonio, USA, 17/04/2010 18:01
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I have yet to see reporters and news media tell the truth. Like all adventitious people, they write stories which garner them the most fame and fortune. Democrats loved it when the press attacked Republicans, and vice-versa. Anti-religious, and anti-Catholics in particular are currently enjoying this media fest. Anyone who has any real interest in the truth, should research the original documents himself, and then draw his own conclusion. I would not trust the reports fostered by a self serving reporter or media. God Bless the Real Truth Seekers.

May

- Jim, San Antonio, USA, 17/04/2010 17:59
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Do not forget full Catholic emancipation did not come to England till 1850, with the restoration of the Hierarchy.

- Edward P. Walton, Philadelphia, Penn. USA, 15/04/2010 23:57
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Roman Catholics are such that they seem to believe that their Popes are St Peter himself, and that the Pope is someone. Well the popes are 'someone' but not any successors to the Apostle Peter. Now this may sound harsh, but it is true. Pope Benedict XVI, aka Reichsführer - Ratzinger; protected paedophiles. Some may say to me 'oh Richard how can you say that?' well the truth is that Rome turns out paedophiles like Ford turns out cars; and the Roman Doctrine of 'celibacy' is error. When we read what the Apostle Paul wrote regarding those who would be a bishop, the requirement is that they be a married man, have children and rule their own family. Thus is can be reasoned that if ROME was Christian then even the Pope should be a married man. This is not some tirade against the Roman Catholic Church, but the truth. Centuries of deceit and cover ups, concords with the Nazis in 1933, silence regarding the holocaust, the inquistions, killing of saints, the whole box and dice of corruption will be torn down by the Lord. Scripture tells us 'nothing shall be hidden that will not be made known' and as for Benedict XVI this scripture has now come to pass for him; 'behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.' Numbers 32:23. I am a Christian and I am happy this has been made known by God, amen

- Richard Merrell, Wentworth Falls NSW Australia, 15/04/2010 03:07
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This Pope will become known as the 'paedophile Pope' he has NOT right by God at all to be in the position he is. I am not A Roman Catholic, but a Christian, yet the Pope who claims succession from the Apostle Peter and the same authority; covers up sexual abuse of children. Well let me tell you where the Lord said such a one should go, those who offend little children......' it would be better for these if a millstone was tied around their neck and they be tossed into the sea' The Holy Roman Catholic Church ? it is enough to make even Satan blush with shame.

- Richard Merrell, Wentworth Falls NSW Australia, 15/04/2010 02:35
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The hypocrisy of the Catholic leadership is unconscionable. They supposedly uphold the sanctity of unborn life -- to the extent that their teachings lead people to kill doctors who perform abortions.

Yet they give no regard actual flesh and blood lives of people who are abused by their priests, for the sole purpose of upholding their sanctimonious image.

If this were any institution other than the Catholic church, its leader would be asked to step down in face of scandal, not defended tooth and nail.

- Mike, Tampa USA, 12/04/2010 01:10
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The Catholic faith is the true religion, it was created by a deciple of Christ himself. The Catholic faith itself is perfect in every single way, however the people that preach it are not, which the Holy see aknowleges. The pedophile preists are demons, truly evil men, they should have been sent to a monastary to live out the rest of their lives in relative solitude, with no access to children. However the cover up of Child abuse is exactly the same thing I would have done. In this secularised part of the world anything seen as religious is frowned upon by society, however when members of the Church itself do something truly evil it is seen as if the church as a whole has done something wrong. In order to keep the Catholic flock faithful and the reputation of Religion positive the incidents needed to be covered up, the victims helped and the demon preists punished. I think the Holy see has reacted well with the problem and have reacted in a calm and thought out manner. People in this world look to damage the church at any opportunity and do Satans work for him. The Catholic church has done little wrong. Blame the individuals who took part in the evil deeds. Not the Church.

- Alan, Stirling Scotland, 11/04/2010 20:17
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One of my abused friends was paid by the church to be silent. He stayed very quiet! Another committed suicide. Her father died shortly after from a massive heart attack and total despair. Yet another lives with the memory of having a physical relationship with a training priest when she was only 14 yo. When I went to catholic youth group as a very young teenager, we were entertained one evening at the church premises with a movie where a woman was pack raped! I was so shocked I never told my parents.
Sorry guys, but all you well meaning people have been totally conditioned with misinformation.
Read your Bibles! Who is The Harlot? Who is Babylon the Great? Who is false religion? Go figure.
Satan IS ruling this world, just as it says, and he is real mad! Stay close to your creator. You will not find the true God within the catholic religion!
The worst crime on earth iis to sexually abuse our precious children. To do it in the name of God shows us evil in its purest form.
I am so mad at all our parents who stand by the catholic religion and make every excuse under the sun, yet if we had just one peadophile in our street today, I guarantee he would either not be there now or be in prison.
So what is it with these paedophile priests? The untouchables! They're in every country on the planet!
For over 50 yrs this hideous crime goes on and on and on! Governments and religious leaders! Friends or foe? Obviously friends!
So many people, so sad!

- An Ex Ex Ex Catholic, Melbourne Australia, 10/04/2010 13:24
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As a savior of sexual abuse I can tell you that that abuse is tantamount to spiritual murder! Here, in the USA, the church has shelled out multi-million dolor payments of hush money. One priest, by his self, abused over 200 (two hundred) children, deft children.
No church can resurrect your soul one it's been murdered. That process is a personal one, painful, long, troublesome to loved ones and your supposed sanctuary is actually hell itself.

- Larry, Milwaukee Wisconsin USA, 09/04/2010 22:50
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The Pope has become the anti-Christ.

- Graham Gunn, lombardy canada, 06/04/2010 02:20
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Benedict has lead the coverup for over 30 years largely because such insanity is systemic within church governance. The pope's lack of credibility is exceeded only by his lack of integrity. There is nothing meritorius to be said in his defense by those ambitious psychophants with whom he surrounds himself. The scandal will linger for centuries. Healing will begin only with Benedict's resignation and the resignations of errant bishops throughout the world.
Five new priests will be ordained in the Albany diocese this year,but there is not a single parish that wants any of them largely because they represent the restoration of clericalism which Benedict features. It is within the clerical culture where the sex abuse scandal was spawned and has endured throughout church history.

- John T Going, Ballston Lake,N.Y., 05/04/2010 20:11
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It has been known throughout Europe to those who were not naively in denial, that the Catholic Church has always been full of murderers, rapists, and pedophiles. People were buried alive within the walls of monasteries hundreds of years ago. Sado-masochistic erotica emerged from the monasteries. Sadly, people today don't know this history.

It isn't only the Catholic Church that is full of rapists and murderers, it is really every religious organization on earth, of every faith. Sociopaths always place themselves in positions where they have access to their prey, and the cover of authority and respected positions, so they can get away with crimes.

- Cheryl, San Francisco, USA, 05/04/2010 19:38
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When is Sinead O'Connor going to get an apology from all the Roman Catholics who booed her and harshly condemned her.
Your Cult of Mary has been exposed.

- The Harlot Of Babylon, Newark, NJ USA, 05/04/2010 16:08
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The pedophile priests are very lucky they didn't touch my son and I made sure I didn't send my children to a Catholic school. This sexual abuse on children be it girls or boys has been going on for centuries so it's nothing new. My heart bleeds for the little ones who were and still are being sexually damaged because the powers that be feel we shouldn't make a fuss of "petty gossip."
The little ones who are forced to go into orphanages and didn't ask to be born only to be punished once again in the name of religion. I trust God is watching them and in turn help the children to heal.
The Catholic Church is not above the law and they keep sweeping it under the carpet by sending their sick priests to carry on in a different town. Why are they so cruel?
Name them and make sure they have absolutely no contact with children ever again. Don't close ranks hoping the problem will disappear - this time it will not.
From devoted Mum

- Frances, Cape Town South Africa, 05/04/2010 09:35
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It is although not suprising rediculous that so many free minded people are on this site attacking people for reporting this crime and for naming persons involved ie this current pope. It is by the Catholic churches doctorin that these crimes have come to be. Damn them to the hell they bestowe on thier victims.

- Harry Mungin, DUBAI - UAE, 04/04/2010 11:39
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There will be accusation and counter accusation, but the fact is if ONE child has been raped and abused, any person proclaimng to be the guardian of the flock in any religion should expose it. That hundreds have been abused and a code of silence and self protection has preveiled fully exposes the church as a living lie - so as community we need not to question our faith of devotion to living the word of God daily, but to unite and though our love force the pillars of these institutions to crumble and witness the exposure of their deceit. It is clear that their religion does not LIVE the true word of God, and by that they will be judged.

- Iain Robertson, Brisbane, Australia, 03/04/2010 23:35
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PEOPLE: You are all jumping to conclusions based on the creepy word of a creepy BBC documentary. The main accuser in the above story, Father Doyle, has backtracked and confirmed that Crimens Solicitations is exactly the opposite of what he says in the documentary, as does every other sober researcher. Only the fanatical anti-Catholics say it does what this docmentary says it does. You should be angry if this documentary were true, but it is not.

- Farnk, Farnk, 03/04/2010 19:57
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God is Almighty, Omnipresent and Omniscient. Even at this late stage the Pope should negotiate with God that no member of the Catholic Church would never again be abusing children. If the Pope and the God cannot do this simple thing it goes to prove that there is no God.

- Siribiris, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 03/04/2010 19:08
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Never forget that Religion is an older form of political influence, and we are witnessing what can happen when the two are so closely aligned. There is a reason the Constitution calls for the separation of Church and State. Additionally, with all the states of the union in financial disarray - dare I remind you that EVERY church operates TAX FREE within this Great Union of ours.

- Politikipedia, USA, 02/04/2010 00:34
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If as an atheist I abused children I would expect to go to prison. Equally if a friend of mine abused a child and I swore the child to secrecy and helped my friend to relocate probably to reoffend I would expect to go to prison. So why are the prisons not overflowing with catholic priests and bishops?

- John Middlemarsh, Bury St Edmunds, 31/03/2010 00:06
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There is nothing like the effects that sexual abuse has on the human psyche,it is simply catastrophic,its steals all our rainbows... this is why these peoples actions( who claim to be closer to God, who claim to lead others to God) is so despicable...so utterly unchristian...We have had enough proof for years now as to the coverup that prolonged rapist priests sexual predation of young people the world over,,.they are ALL participating criminals and liars,that comes with the job and threats of excommunication...A few brave true men of God have stood up to their church and railed against the horror and the bullshit ,only a few... of the rest ...well dont let the silver tongued sons of latin ,the fancy gold ornaments and mansions of power scare you or blind you....this is why so often jesus preferred to hang with the working girls...i have met a several in my life ,they are often victims of sexual abuse.

- Susan ,Port Elliot Sth Australia., Port Elliot, South Australia, 30/03/2010 07:21
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This is an outrage, and should be investigated fully. I would be surprised if proof is found though, the churches have become expert at covering these stories up.

- Earnestster, Melbourne Australia, 30/03/2010 02:58
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They should all go to jail, this is a crime and they have being veil out for too long. Shame on u Pope and your church and your priest.

- Carla Simoni, Los Angeles, CA, 26/03/2010 15:56
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as cathollism is so obviously hazardous to children should we not make it an 18 plus activity so we may feel assured that those partiscipating are aware of the personal risk and can make judgments accordingly.
It beggars beleif that some one who purports to be under constant watch from upon high can totally diregard his own gods edict to protect the weak and vunerable. The popes actions show he pays lip service only to his God so as to maintain his own position of power and adolation.

- Dean Norris, newport, wales, 26/03/2010 13:15
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I hope independent journalist continue to pursue the truth of this church cover up.Yes it's true, sexual abuse is in homes, schools, all churches, and religions, it's everywhere! But right now, the focus is on the Catholic Church, and the direct responsibility it has for not protecting thousands of children. This tragic situation is bigger than we know, and if women had the respect in the Catholic church from the beginning, this situation would be far different. I'm hearing from men like Donahue, spokespersons for the Catholic Church, cardinals, the pope, NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY, instead projecting outward. This church nor any other entity will ever be capable of protecting children nor will they heal if they continue to be in denial. I would like to see millions of citizens marching all over the world in a call to stop sexual abuse. A wall similar to the Vietnam Veterans Wall needs to be created for rape and sexual abuse victims. Can you imagine how many names this far reaching wall would hold? So instead of me marching for peace( no War) in DC( like I have before), I think I'll put my attention on something closer to home, something that just hasn't gotten the attention that's absolutely necessary to address. I'll march for sexual abuse survivors and sexual abuse protection of children. Imagine too a digital counter on the side of a skyscraper in NY, LA, Chicago, Miami, Houston, displaying every minute how many children, women, and men are sexually abused and raped.

- Carondelet Crain Dember, Houston, USA, 26/03/2010 12:36
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if the pope has been heading the operation cover up reg. sex abuse and pedophilia issues for over 2 decades giving top priority to oath of secrecy than welfare of the faithful that have suffered, he has no moral ground to continue as head of the church. before making others as victims he should own responsibility and vacate the throne.
it is also high time to liberalise celibacy rather than clinging to it like a monkey kid embracing the mother.
times have changed. if pope john 23 rd opened threw open the windows of the church for fresh air this pope as prefect of doctrine and faith for decades has steadily closed them.
fist he should step down and set an example.

- Fr Xavier Lobo, karkala, india., 26/03/2010 05:52
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I am 52 years old, and have been hearing the same story my entire life. Now that there is proof of "cover ups" through documentation, I hope this can bring about some sort of resolution. Pedophilia is a criminal act, and should ALWAYS be dealt with outside of church doctrine. What better way to not go to jail, than to hide within the church.

- Brenda, United States, 26/03/2010 02:51
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The Devil is in The Vatican.
Damn Benedict XVI to Hell for ignoring the evidence of the ongoing and continual rape of our sons.

- Gary Roberts, Concord, NH, 25/03/2010 23:41
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this type of crime has been going on for years, but it seems that by using cannon law the catholic priests and upwards are immune to the common law that you or i are answerable to. how many times do these sick and disgusting acts have to be aired through the media before the brain washed catholic religion is seen for what it is, a farce, these are supposed to be people that you can go to with your troubles and people that are supposed to stand for goodness and holiness in society and yet they can abuse in more ways than just this and yet they get away with it.
they are evil in a way that is beyond human understanding and they enjoy it,
It is the beast and it will fall and goodness will conquer

- Jonathan, belfast, northern ireland, 25/03/2010 22:47
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"Cardinal Ratzinger reinforced the strict cover-up policy by introducing a new principle: that the Vatican must have what it calls Exclusive Competence. In other words, he commanded that all child abuse allegations should be dealt with direct by Rome."

Then the Pope should be held directly responsible for each and every crime he helped to cover up. Every nation with victims of his priests should move to indict him as a conspirator and move to extradite this monster to stand trial for his crimes.

Some one once told me that one interpretation of who the Anti-Christ would be it that it will be a Pope of the Catholic Church. A man who pretends to be good, but who is really evil. Well, I guess they may have been right.

- Ella, New Mexico, USA, 25/03/2010 21:18
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If you want to know only a small history of the catholic church, read
"The Secret History Of The Jesuits," and also, read "The Vatican Billions."
This is documented material you are about to read. After you read the
whole material, spread the word to the whole wolrd what you have just
read.

- Achai Kamabea, Phoenix USA, 23/03/2010 16:43
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I was a Catho holic till I was 19, 50 years ago.

Religion is an addiction. Most of these " people"

running the Church have come up through

the Catholic school system. All their lives

they have been told to believe, instead of to THINK.

This is the outcome.

- Edwords, florida USA, 23/03/2010 15:37
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"Why doesn't the media focus on that? Are they afraid that parents will pull their children out of school? Or maybe that the ranks of the teachers will be decimated by all of the lawsuits? I think we should be protecting our children from the school teachers!"

Big difference here is that if teachers do this, they invariably go on trial and ultimately to prison. RC Priests it seem think this doesn't apply to them!

- Richard Bown, norwich uk, 23/03/2010 14:38
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I don't think it should surprise anyone that an institution this old and storied has this level of corruption. I don't see any solid evidence in this brief article to convince me offhand, but anyone who thinks that this claim is ridiculous is highly naive.

- Lindsay, Houston, TX, 23/03/2010 14:20
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It's Joseph Ratzinger not Thomas. That being said the only resurrection he's got to 'celebrate' is the ongoing unraveling of the abuse SCANDAL.Crimen Solicitationis puts the nail in his coffin. He'll NEVER be beatified, and that's what these boys go for. He's an EIGHTY TWO year old man who is delusional and deceitful. If there is a 'christian god' the children's terror has reached head office. The Roman Catholic Church is shaking, there are fissures in the foundation and a schism prepares to announce itself in the American church.

- Gwk123, North of Toronto, Canada, 23/03/2010 12:58
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Enough of this already. Why are these people not being arrested and charged with being accessories after the fact. At the very least they should be charged with obstruction of justice.

- Earthworx, Atlanta, GA, USA, 23/03/2010 05:41
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Robert P. Kosak, i really hope you aren't equating homosexuals with pedophiles...

- Jb, Australia, 23/03/2010 00:25
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The fact remains that while catholic priests do sexually abuse some children, it is NO WHERE NEAR the numbers for school teachers sexually abusing their students.

A study by the American Association of University Women Education Foundation found that between 1991 and 2000, roughly 300,000 students were subjected to physical sexual abuse by teachers.

Compared with priests where there were about 11,000 allegations of sexual abuse between 1950 and 2002. If you say that 11,000 is only 25% of the true number, it comes to just over 800 cases per year.

So, priests = 800 cases of sexual abuse per year; school teachers = 30,000 cases of sexual abuse per year.

Why doesn't the media focus on that? Are they afraid that parents will pull their children out of school? Or maybe that the ranks of the teachers will be decimated by all of the lawsuits? I think we should be protecting our children from the school teachers!

- Toomuchtime, California, 22/03/2010 23:55
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It wouldn't surprise me one bit if the accusations were true. We've already seen similar cover-ups in the American and Irish churches, and we already know how the Vatican's first, last and only priority was to protect itself rather than the kids who were being abused. God only knows how many other priests were given free rein to ruin the lives of their flocks, and were protected rather than held accountable.

If any other organization had the Catholic Church's track record in dealing with (or not dealing with) pedophiles in the ranks, its leaders would have gone to prison years ago. Why should the Church be any different?

- Jack Carter, New Jersey USA, 22/03/2010 23:49
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Let's check the facts as reported so far. Thomas Ratzinger. wrong name. Name of the report Jospeh Cardinal Ratzinger wrote in 2001. wrong again. Father(?) Tom Doyle. Let's see, ax to grind maybe? yup. Unbiased source of factual information? nope.

So far BBC you're facts are wrong. I can only assume the rest of the report will be as sloppy and unfactual as the lead up. Someday you will have to answer for the slander. All of you. Good luck with that. I will even say a prayer for you. In charity. Because it's Lent.

- Lois, Cape Breton Canada, 22/03/2010 23:13
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"We may someday view chastity the way we now view malnutrition" --Dr Alex Comfort (roughly)

It appears the Catholic Church's experiment with ... malnutrition is failing.

- Phlip, Carlsbad, California, 22/03/2010 23:12
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I believe it is long past time for Pope Benedict to assume responsibility for the abuse that happened under his watch, but as Archbishop and Pope. I was abused by a Catholic Brother and when I exposed my abuser to the local bishop, I was told to keep it quiet so as not to create scandal. The corruption in the Catholic Church starts at the top and flows downhill. I have no respect for most bishops and cardinals and none at all for the present Pope. He should resign

- Don, Kansas, USA, 22/03/2010 22:32
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The Pope's name was Josef (not Thomas) Cardinal Ratzinger (and, yes, that is how a cardinal's name is ordered). I hope the documentary doesn't make those kinds of mistakes.

One of my professors trained with Ratzinger in Germany. Impressive mind, but questionable character. His vendetta against Leonardo Boff was pathetic.

- T. Gramsci, Boston, MA, 22/03/2010 22:14
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There are numerous examples of Christians willing to see thousands die of AIDS as long as no sperm is wasted in a condom. There are numerous examples of Christians willing to see hundreds of children suffer, as long as they preserve the power of the Church. Wake up, Christians, you are no better than anyone else. Give up the fantasy and join reality.

- Insidon, London, England, 19/03/2010 05:19
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The People need to realize that the Pope and the entire hierarchy is designed to empower the church. It is not a good and noble organization. Stop being sheep. Any God that loves you would not let this go on. It is time for the masses to rise up and live without the tyranny of the church.

- Gary Summer, Troy Mi, 19/02/2010 18:40
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NO government of any nation should ever give status/credit/sanction/ and/or awards to ANY religious entity. Keep government and religion seperate forever.

- Steven D Campagna, Puyallup Washington USA, 15/02/2010 19:52
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Well, the BBC has absolutely no knowledge of Latin, Crimen sollicitationis is referring to the sacramental seal of confession, and anyone who breaks it, meaning the members of the clergy speaking about what has been told to them inside the sacrament of reconciliation, which is very well known to Catholics, and most non-Catholics. You attack our leader, because he is the leader of our faith, but if we spoke such slanderous and hateful messages against any other minority, we are instantly in court facing jail time, the BBC are hate filled men, maybe they should practice what they preach, and do as Christ told us, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", from this "documentary", which really is just hateful statements ment to incite hatred of the Church by the English public, you would have us do the same to you, and possibly commit treason for speaking out against the Queen and accusing her of being a Nazi.

- Adam, Birmingham, 09/02/2010 00:24
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Sad to read what is happening in The Church regarding child sex abuse. Honesty is missing in the leadership of the church. Open dialogue, hearing the Gospel message of the branch dying before it bears fruit and getting to the basis of what the 2nd Vatican Council called all Catholic's to is what needs to be focused on in the leadership of tomorrows church.
I am trying to see that happening but there still is a culture of 'Church Triumphant' that is dominant in leadership today, when will Jesus visit us again to challenge the modern day pharisees?

- Robert D Allen, Melbourne Australia, 20/01/2010 11:46
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I am a life-long 55 yr old Catholic. That doesn't mean that I'm a blindly led sheep. The truth of all of this horror, unfortunately, is somewhere in the middle.

Have members of the church sexual abused children over the last 2000 years? No doubt!

Has it been covered up by the Vatican?
Hell, some of the Pope's from way back may have been guilty of the crime. Yeah, I know - infallibility - yada yada - see sheep comment above
Cover-ups, YES!

Are all of the cases brought forth over the pasted 75 years based in fact?

Doubtful! There are copy cats, zealot haters of catholicism, personal gripes, local political intrigues, parents who look for easy money, and a plethora of others with weird and wild agendas.

I am concerned about the direction that Pope Benedict is taking us and I feel sick at the thought that he may have been involved in cover-ups.

I will, however, NEVER EVER believe that Pope John Paul II had a hand in any cover-up.

The Vatican, I pray, will take swift action from now on and turn over all convicted clergy to the secular authorities and excommunicate them from the church. If that means that Pope Benedict is found guilty of cover up then he should be treated the same.

But remember - the real truth of anything does not come out even in the highest court in our land. See Supreme Court - Bush vs. Gore 2000. So it is best to be very solid about the facts before acting.

My only comfort is that God will sort them all out.

Rosemary Volage

- Rosemary Volage, Hillside, New Jersey, 19/01/2010 20:35
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BBC's report is misleading and manipulative. I'm not defending Benedict because he's the pope and I somehow think he can do no wrong; I'm defending him because he's a person who's been falsely accused of a terrible crime.
The instructional document that Cardinal Joseph (not Thomas) Ratzinger wrote in 2001, "De delictis gravioribus", as well as the instruction in force before that since 1962, "Crimen sollicitationus", do not tell bishops or victims to not report abuse cases to the police. If bishops have withheld information, it's their own crime, not the result of them obeying Ratzinger. The documents give bishops guidelines on when clerical abuse cases concerning the misuse of the confessional (including, but not limited to, pedophilia) are serious enough to warrant the ecclesiastical investigation to be done by the Vatican rather than by the local dioceses, not by the church rather than by the police. It shows how the Vatican has been responsible by looking at these abuse cases itself, rather than risking a cover-up by a local bishop. It's about the centralized church's relation to the local church, not the church's relation to the police.
Also, "De delictis gravioribus" is not a secret. You can find it in Latin on the Vatican website, and in English elsewhere on the Internet if you search for it.

- Alex K., Edmonton, Canada, 20/12/2009 00:18
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As a Catholic, albeit one who has much difficulty with many of the religion's tenets, I am shocked and ashamed by the cover-up, particularly Ratzinger's involvement in perpetrating it. There have been many calls of late for the bishops and priests involved to resign. I think Ratzinger's name should be at the top of that resignation list. It would be hypocritical for him to do otherwise and remain in office one day longer.

- Brendan Walsh, Montreal, Canada, 14/12/2009 01:41
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Please read the report into the Dublin abuse cases but remember its is not just Dublin it is the same in all Ireland. One of the Bishops said there was no need for any more reports what else are they trying to hide. The present pope knew about the abuse and may have used Dimplomatic Immunity in some cases. We will never find out the truth.

- Kevin Larkin, Ireland, 13/12/2009 12:01
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While I sympathise to a certain extent with sincere Catholics who refuse to acknowledge the perverted crimes of so many priest and the appalling behaviour of the Vatican in condoning it you should be aware that your wilful ignorance of the church's criminal acts puts yet more children at risk even now.
There comes a point where deliberate refusal to see the facts makes an accomplice of even the most decent of people.

- Aiden Lambert, Dyblin, Ireland, 07/12/2009 17:36
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As much as I loathe the mass media machine that, at best, titilates and engenders a feeling of want and desire in everything it purportedly 'reports', and at worst encourages satan in all of us, I think they have a point about the terrible things that have taken place in my Church. Personally I don't want to read this news. I can't look at my parish priest without thinking about this abuse. My faith and the sanctity of a child's innocence come first for me. Church and its clerics second. I will not 'leave' the church because of paedophiles, in the same way I will not stop travelling by train just because suicide bombers blow trains up. No faith in God's word is one thing, paedophile priests, quite another. It is time for transparency in the Church, public defrocking of these priests, long jail sentences and moreover a review of the present rules of celibacy within the priesthood. I disagree with women priests but I have for a long time wondered just how necessary it is to deprive priests of basic physical connection. It has been said that it is a war against nature and as we have seen, nature tends to win.

- Joseph G, London, 07/12/2009 04:50
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My Two cousins are priests, I have Aunts who are Nuns, my Uncle a Monsignor in Los Angeles. My Grand Uncle Cannon/Past President of St Fannihan's College Ennis Co Clare, My Mothers 1st cousin, a Bishop In Tipperary.
" To any of you who have difficulty believing"
Read any Irish NOV 27th 2009. newspaper, or on the net
Read all about our pervert Cardinals. Bishops, priests.
Read how they were assisted by the " GARDA "police force of Ireland:' to rape, terrorise, and destroy innocent children's lives: And really get the truth as to how the present "POPE" must really be "SATAN"S emmissary on earth.
What they have done in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save us all, is beyond words.
Sorry if i hurt your feelings, but the truth is a hard pill to swallow.

- Oliver, CORK,IRELAND, 27/11/2009 16:42
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to those who dont believe the the accusations against the catholic church thinking they can do no wrong.
must be living in a different planet
to be believe that this world was made by some god by someone with one ounce of brain power amazes me.
the whole thing is a illogical, irratinal superstition nonsense.
priests are just men like anyother but also some are perverts.

- P. Jones, norfolk england, 26/11/2009 15:46
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If this is true, this is absolutely unforgiveable. The facts need to be disclosed now along with any pertinent documentation so that this can be substantiated!!

- Dawn, Nova Scota, Canada, 06/10/2009 02:50
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I presume that you will provide the actual document to back up your claims as there is nothing substantial in this article proving what you say. I mean, you could not even get the Pope's name correct. "Thomas" Ratzinger? really?

- Thomas Jones, San Jose, CA, 30/09/2009 11:25
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no one knows the whole story of this sex scandal cover-up but God. I am not defending sin and its being covered up, but the Church has reasons for the way it does things. The RCC Church is NOT popular in today's libertine culture. People should keep this kind of thing (and others) in mind when judging the Church. The Church has always wanted to "judge its own" before the secular courts get involved (see the movie BECKET), And even if all that is said about Card. Ratzinger & etc.is as stated in secular periodicals.. Humans are sinners.. always will be. That does not change the fact that the Roman Catholic Church is the one established by Christ.. and he only establiished ONE. Jesus promised the very gates of Hell would not prevail over HIS Church.. (St Mt 16:18) Over individuals, yes.. the Church, NO.

- Kathy, oklahoma city, OK, 10/07/2009 00:38
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The abominable and explosive report into child abuse within Ireland, as well as many other reports of abuse around the world, has several potential lessons for the Roman Catholic Church. Firstly, it highlights the stupidity of an authoritarian, monarchical, and feudal church located within the modern world. Secondly, the unjust use of its authoritarian power to control the laity and minimize their potential employment for ecclesiastical governance. Thirdly, the use of its authority to exclude women from the priesthood from the end of the twelfth century, according to recent research in the United States. Lastly, the idiocy of imposing celibacy on all Catholic Priests within the western rite of the church as well as outlawing forms of birth control on the laity.

An agenda of reform should include, the rediscovery and reaffirmation of the primacy of the individual conscience, both inside and outside the church. Secondly, she must relax celibacy and invite women to the priesthood. Thirdly, she must embrace all of the documents of the Second Vatican Council without reservation. Fourthly, she needs to invoke a Third Vatican Council that can affect the devolution of power as well as other much needed reforms that would contemporize the church. Fifthly, she needs to invite a broad cross section of the laity to help it make balanced decisions on a permanent and equal basis. Lastly, she needs to truly believe that the secular informs the sacred and vice a versa.

- John Candido, Melbourne Australia, 27/05/2009 06:23
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the catholic church has become evil the pope is not only a heritic and apostate but so are these bishops the arrogance is astounding. would jesus think this was representative of his church or would he condemn them. at la sallete the virgin Mary in a locution to a visionary said there would be a counterfit church Rome would lose the faith and become the seat of anti-christ. By their fruits you shall know them jesus says anyone who causes a child to sin it would be beter if he had never been born. benidict i think this refers to you and all pro pervert bishops

- Liam, belfast co antrim, 11/05/2009 09:41
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The hierarchy within the Catholic Church do not believe in transparency and accountability, their management style is dogmatic, autocratic and keep mouth shut and do as you are told; 'we are not here to answer your questions, so don't accuse us of anything, we are whiter than white. This style of management went out with Noah's Ark. The Catholic Church will gladly take your money (collections) but, are in their eyes account are accountable to no-one, I have no question with the CATHOLIC FAITH, only with the insiduous hierarchy

- Peter Harriision, Liverpool England, 15/04/2009 09:45
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It seems like the true believers miss the Inquisition.

- Pat Kittle, Santa Cruz, 29/01/2009 04:50
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As a Roman Catholic and as an American..I'm deeply ashamed at the bowing and grovelling being shown to this horrible man. He gave a speech the other day "apologizing" for the abuse..as if he hadn't had such a part in protecting the abusers themselves. A large was of spittle hung in the right corner of his lying, duplicitous mouth. He is the devil incarnate in patent leather gucci pumps. Instead of being in a popemobile..he ought to be in the weinermobile..headed for the lock-up.

- Christine Craft, san francisco,California usa, 18/04/2008 06:23
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In 2006, a film called "Deliver Us From Evil" was released in the USA, that won several awards and was nominated for the Oscar for best feature documentary. It concerns the scandal of the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests. The filmmakers interviewed three California victims (two women and a man) of the same priest, as well as the families of the victims and the priest himself, who confessed, was ultimately convicted and spend time in prison before being returned to Ireland to roam free. The film makes it very clear that higher-ups within the Church, particularly Cardinal Roger Mahony, knew exactly what was happening with this particular priest, and lied and schemed to protect him from the wrath of his parishioners by moving him from one town to another in California for many years so that he could continue to compulsively abuse children. The film also exposes the current Pope's long term leadership in the overall strategy of suppressing the evidence and allowing paedophile priests to go unpunished. The film makes clear that not all paedophiles are homosexuals; in fact, this particular priest was a typical paedophile whose interest was not his victim's gender, but their age. Catholics who close their eyes to this awful tragedy are doing their beloved church no good. Reform it and fix it. Expose the demons before nothing is left. Sadly, what the BBC documentary reveals is only the tip of the iceberg.

- Phyllis, Brooklyn, NY, 17/04/2008 23:27
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Of course he did, just like the bishops across the land protected the ranks, they knew, and as such the partook in the abuse of our children. As for why, I do not need to mention the #1 reason. But a among the unspoken obvious, there was and is the issue of money, and all of their vast land holdings in each of our communities. And when the huge settlement payouts came what did the good Pope do? He sold land for money. Whose land, ask the nuns that have lost their retirement homes.

- Angela Kortz Funke, Pewee Valley, KY USA, 15/04/2008 20:21
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The hubris from the current Pope is really disheartening. I would attend mass more often if I felt in my heart of hearts that it was about a communion with God rather than a getting at my wallet during the collection. His Holiness does a great disservice to those loyal and loving men and women of the cloth who do not act with the ignorance or anger that is evidenced in Rome.

- Hayden, Austin, Texas, USA, 15/04/2008 18:56
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As you can see, the sources are disgruntled lawyers. Gives this article about as much credibility as a political consultant who gets fired by a candidate and then tries to get back at them by speaking out against their former employer.
Of course, this type of accusation is all too welcome for anti-catholic atheists and some groups of protestants who resent the Catholic church.

- Bob, KS, USA, 15/04/2008 17:06
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I saw a great white throne and him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

- Michael, San Marcos, Texas, USA, 14/04/2008 00:47
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Makes you wonder why this pope would want to inflame Muslims with his anti-Muhammed (peace be upon him) 'quotes' and then this. When you don't act righteously, then what is it that you are doing? "By the fruits ye shall judge them.." Jesus/Isa (peace be upon him) was so right.

- Omar F, NYC, USA, 10/04/2008 20:20
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The authority of the church had the audacity to define God, who cannot be defined. That's when the deceit began, and it's rampant today. The message brought by Christ has been twisted beyond recognition. Either they do not hear the message or they choose to ignore it.

When the true church emerges, and it will, all will be welcome.

- Kaynkansas, Lenexa, KS USA, 18/03/2008 23:19
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True, the BBC and most media do bash the Catholic Church. But If it wasn't for the media, the whole sex abuse thing would still be a Vatican secret. The Vatican knew that homosexuals were getting ordained, were informed of pedephile priests were being moved around rather than arrested and it was the Vatican who gave us many homosexual bishops. The corruption in the Vatican is beyound belief.

- Robert P. Kosak, Nassau, NY, USA, 05/10/2006 03:51
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How interesting that the Holy Father's intention for September, 2006 (planned a year or more in advance) was for the mass media. Let us pray for truthfulness in reporting, for the Church, and for all victims of sexual abuse.

- Ann, Los Angeles,USA, 02/10/2006 18:10
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True to form "sensation" information is coming to the public via the media presented as bona fide documents. The Holy Spirit continues to work through all of this, continues to sanctify each member of the Church, continues to guide the faithful despite the working of the devil in our time. May we continue to pray for those in authority, those who have been abused, those who condoned the abuse, those who seek to destroy the Church.

- Simone O'K, Denville, USA, 02/10/2006 16:27
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Whilst there are "bad people" in every organisation, I do not think the Pope is one of them.

Of course I deplore child molestation, but I think in this case (as in other recent cases) the BBC is attacking the Pope in this way because he's an easy target and he does not issue Fatwas.

In short, I feel the BBC is constantly taking pot-shots at the Catholic faith in a way that it would not dare do if the religion was Islam.

- Martin, London, UK., 02/10/2006 14:20
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You will never hear the truth from the BBC.

- John, USA, 02/10/2006 12:48
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The document deals with those who solicit sex within the confessional and not generally with those who do so outside the confessional. The secrecy seems to be to protect the seal of confession and to punish those who violate it in any regard. A sin is a sin and an outreage, but the church takes solicitation in the confessional as even a worse sin if that were possible.

- Terik Ororke, USA, 02/10/2006 12:42
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As a survivor of clergy sexual abuse this isn't news to me. All one has to do is follow the scandal from city to city - Boston, LA, the recent Chicago, Santa Rosa, where the Bishops protected the priests and/or moved them.
No matter where you look, they consistently do the same thing.
In their system of hierarchy one can only conclude that they do this because of orders from Rome.
There was a letter written by the then Cardinal Ratzinger that spells out the Rome has "jurisdiction in cases where abuse has been 'perpetrated with a minor by a cleric." Meaning they don't have to report it to authorities. It had been submitted as evidence in some legal cases in the USA. Rome never denied it's authenticity. Their response as reported in the April 24, 2005 edition of the Guardian -
"A spokeswoman in the Vatican press office declined to comment when told about the contents of the letter. 'This is not a public document, so we would not talk about it,' she said."

- Skip Shea, Uxbridge, Massachusetts, 02/10/2006 12:29
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Julie is dead right. It is truly a war waging against the Catholic Church. BBC actually stands for By British Cowards. May God have mercy on those who slander our chosen leader. But we as Catholics, draw comfort from Christ, who said the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.

- Marianne Johnpillai, Nawala, Sri Lanka, 02/10/2006 12:29
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I do not believe that Cardinal Ratzinger would have ever sent a document, as described in this "shocking documentary". First of all the translation from Latin to English is no doubt erroneous, like most of their translations are, so they can twist the meaning into obscurity.

- Hilda West, Alachua, Fl, 02/10/2006 05:55
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I believe the conclave of Cardinals has made a very big mistake in choosing this man as pope to lead us. In the picture of him here he looks like something evil. I beleive he will lead the church downhill as long as he is pope. There will never be another John Paul II but I beleive they should have chose the Cardinal from Africa to be our pope.The church will steadly decline with the pope we now have now.

- Bill Hutchinson, Paramount USA, 02/10/2006 05:07
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Open season has been declared on Pope Benedict and all Catholics. It was the BBC after all who took Pope Benedict's Regensburg speech out of context only to put his life and the lives of Christians everywhere in danger. God bless Sister Leonella Sgorbati. As Christians, she forgave the Muslim who shot her, and I forgive the BBC and the New York Times for being responsible.

- Julie, Texas, 02/10/2006 03:55
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I happen to be a Catholic and know of at least one case where a priest was falsely accused of sexual abuse. His case was taken care of by the legal authorities in his area and later on the local church authorities investigated the accusation. Lastly, it went to the Vatican. Why is it that people have to use lies and deception to gain attention? All of those that are slurring the reputation of this holy man will someday be accountable to the Creator of all of us, whether they believe in Him or not.

- Anita, Boca Raton USA, 02/10/2006 03:05
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I don't abelieve it!

- Betty G. Armendarez, Owensboro, 02/10/2006 01:36
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I have first hand experience with presenting a case of physical abuse and knowing how quickly and attentively it was responded to.

I was never asked to keep it quiet, I was never threatened with excommunication.

Stop this anti-Catholic rant. And if I can still be part of the Church after what happened to me by evil, misguided perpetrators, who are you to attack my church and my Pope!

- David Anthony Domet, Toronto, Canada, 02/10/2006 00:52
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This report is absurd.

- William V., Boston, MA, USA, 02/10/2006 00:41
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I am an ex Catholic, now a born again Chrisitian Minister. It sickens me what the Pope is doing to cover up the sins and perversion of priests and other Catholic clergy. Why should they be exempt from paying for their crimes?

- Ouis, Albany NY USA, 02/10/2006 00:01
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This is totally absurd!

- Philip Figueroa, California, 01/10/2006 23:47
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God I hope this report is wrong... why do I have the gut feeling that it's true?

- Diana, New Hampshire USA, 01/10/2006 22:35
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This is a horrible accusation. Where is the documentation to prove such a terrible allegation?

- Rose Marie Benoit, N. Dartmouth, MA USA, 01/10/2006 18:35
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