Should the Pope address allegations against him?

As allegations of child sex abuse charges continue to mount against the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict has avoided any mention of the scandal. There are allegations that the Vatican tried to cover up the abuse claims. At the start of Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, the dean of the College of Cardinals said Benedict was the target of what he called "petty gossip."

The pontiff and many bishops have been assailed by accusations from victims of clergy sexual abuse that Benedict helped shape and perpetuate a climate of coverup toward the crimes against children in parishes, schools, orphanages and other church-run institutions.

My question to you: Do you think the Pope should address allegations against him?

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Tags: Pope, allegations, scandal, speak

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on April 5, 2010 at 2:41pm

Hell yes! The Catholic church has chosen to protect their priest not the children who have been abused.

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Permalink Reply by sAm on April 5, 2010 at 3:03pm

Absolutely. What some members of the Church have committed on multiple occassions is called child abuse and sodomy. They should be tried and convicted just like anyone else. It blows my mind that the church would hide these criminals.

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Permalink Reply by Martin on April 6, 2010 at 3:34am

I'm a lifelong Catholic - albeit in the liberal wing - and the church, as far as I'm concerned, is the community - not the hierarchy.

So my answer is the same as Kevin's - Hell yes!

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Permalink Reply by stephanie on April 6, 2010 at 4:46am

I don't beleive most of what have been said.I think its a silent religious war that's going on.

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Permalink Reply by stephanie on April 6, 2010 at 4:54am

And the reason why is the omerta between men.When proof has been made for them , there's only one issue death.Most of the timer those who made child abuse can't live long in prisons.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on April 6, 2010 at 3:12pm

Tell that to the children who were raped.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Anne on April 6, 2010 at 8:37pm

I do believe it should be addressed... as the "breathing embodiment of God's will on Earth," his position should not be one of silence... but my belief is that no matter what he says, people are going to believe what they choose. I was raised Catholic as well- and this saddens the life right out of me. No child should have to endure such torture, at the hands of anyone- but something about it coming from a source that's supposed to inspire faith and convey love and light makes it just that much worse.