In defense of Benedict XVI: 2 useful perspectives
CWN - March 29, 2010
Writing for National Review Online, Father Raymond de Souza provides a devastating rebuttal of the New York Times reports alleging that Pope Benedict has been lax in his handling of sex-abuse cases.
While giving a detailed answer to the charges, Father de Souza also raises questions as to why those flimsy complaints are now being aired. "The appearance here is one of a coordinated campaign, rather than disinterested reporting," he says. He points out that reporters are routinely relying on sources such as Jeffrey Anderson, a lawyer for abuse victims who is certainly not a neutral party, and on Archbishop Rembert Weakland, "the most discredited and disgraced bishop in the United States, widely known for mishandling sexual-abuse cases during his tenure."
In First Things, George Weigel notes that sexual abuse is a problem throughout American society. While the past record of the Catholic Church has certainly been subject to criticism, he notes that in 2009 there were only six new complaints throughout the Church in the US. Moreover, Weigel adds, Pope Benedict has been a leader in devising a tough new approach by the Church. He argues:
The Times’ descent into tabloid sourcing and innuendo was even more offensive because of recent hard news developments that underscore Pope Benedict’s determination to root out what he once described as the "filth" in the Church.
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Posted by: jimgrum697380 -
Mar. 31, 2010 10:13 AM ET USA
The Holy Father, like the Our Lord Jesus Christ, will always be targeted by enemies who oppose the work of redemption. Pope Benedict is targeted as well for his work to restore the Church's allegedly outmoded practices and traditional teachings. However, it is difficult for many to understand how prelates- several promoted by Pope JP II- could have covered up such heinous crimes for so long. The spiritual price, the financial costs and the political fallout continue to mount
