Mokantz, Kolcoch, and CAElew:  I always react with relief when I see your names, knowing there will be something of substance.  I object to only one statement" ...true scope..." .  We won't ever know the true scope of the abuse, since many survivors choose not to talk for what are compelling reasons, or have killed themselves.  So I think it's much more accurate to say and continue saying, "Even what little we know so far of the extent..."

Now, the Pope, by in essence pardoning abusers, has just undone all the strong words he and the many apologists for the heirachy have voiced so many times about how terrible child abuse is.  If there is one response that has a probability of genuinely reducing the extent of this crime it is for the church to immediately turn all abusers into the police and limit the amount of legal fees.  This would be followed by well publicized punishments for the enabling bishops, etc.  But we know the likelihood...  Hello, snowball.