In formation on a previous documentary is resurfcing that looks at the conspiracy within the Roman Catholic Church extending from the Vatican on down to cover up the sexual abuse of minors by priests. Among the issues delved into is the Vatican approved Crimen Sollicitationis, which outlined procedures to be followed by bishops when dealing with allegations of child abuse, homosexuality and bestiality by members of the Catholic clergy and which swore all parties involved to secrecy on pain of excommunication from the Catholic Church. This policy was adopted in 1962 under the papacy of John XXIII who is often considered saintly and progressive. Obviously, Crimen Solliciationis proves that he was far less saintly that often believed. *
Others besides John XXIII are implicated, however, including the curren Nazi Pope Benedict XVI who has expressed crocodile tears about the sex abuse scandal. In reality, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger reissued Crimen Sollicitationes in 2001 and sent to all bishops. Rather than ordering more openness and cooperation with the authorities as demanded by both law enforcers and the victims, Benedict XVI reiterated its policies and ensured that the Code of Silence be applied to all cases of child abuse involving a priest. Cardinal Ratzinger also instructed that all cases should now be referred to his office directly and that he would maintain ‘exclusive competence’ over the handling of allegations. This is the Catholic Church’s policy to this day and Cardinal Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI.
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The documentary can be found here and it goes to a long way to underscore the horrific moral bankruptcy that prevails in the highest levels of the Church hierarchy. More background on this issue can be found via the BBC News here. Benedict XVI and his co-conspirators all need to be indicted and tried at a minimum for obstruction of justice.
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