In light of recent disclosures about then Cardinal
Ratzenberger’s lack of action in sex abuse cases involving Catholic
priests, should the now Pope Benedict XVI abdicate his Papacy?
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
“In light of recent disclosures about then Cardinal Ratzenberger’s lack of action in sex abuse cases involving Catholic priests, should the now Pope Benedict XVI abdicate his Papacy?” Yes: 5 No: 7
? Karen Anderson: “Yes. He should be as culpable as any clergy guilty of covering up the abuses.”
? Dave Appling: “No. Benedict’s role in those cases was tangential. But more important, what needs reform is the Roman Curia. Those courtiers who actually run this absolute monarchy have not yet come to grips with clerical sexual abuse. Replacing the ‘CEO’ without reforming the management structure would achieve exactly nothing.”
? Bert Berson: “No. I would prefer that he come clean and beg forgiveness.”
? Chris Bryant: “No, however the past issues should be re-investigated and those guilty punished appropriately. Changes must be put in place to deal with, or preferably prevent, these problems in the future.”
? David Cohen: “No. But I do believe the pope should explain what he knew, when he knew it and what he did about it. He should also make clear in extremely plane language that abuse will be totally untolerated.”
? Julian Mancias: “No.” n Linda McNulty: “Yes, just like anyone else who does not do their job, unless he can come up with a comprehensive plan to fix this problem.”
? Henry Miller: “Sadly, yes. If the allegations are true, resigning would prove to the world that the Church abhors sex abuse as well as its cover up. Several Popes have resigned, though not for this reason, so there is a precedent for resigning.”
? Lisa Pampuch: “If I were a Catholic, I’d have to seriously question his wisdom and fitness for the office he holds.”
? Emily Shem-Tov: “Seems incredibly unlikely that he would, but the Church should take this opportunity to really consider its fundamental problems and make some major changes.”
? Jeff Smith: “It does appear that he was more concerned about the image of the church than the welfare of innocent children whose lives were being destroyed by evil and sick men. If this is true, then yes, he should step down.”
? Steve Staloch: “Not unless a full inquiry that includes the pope’s voluntary and unrestricted cooperation is conducted. The most recent charge that top Vatican officials, including the future pope, did not take action against a Wisconsin priest who molested hundreds of deaf boys despite pleas from some American bishops cannot go unchallenged. Answering to a higher authority does not immunize any man from earthly accountability.””
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