As usual,  your knowledge filled comments give us facts and information and or contain important considerations. 

Timing created some doubt; NCR article Dec 5th 2013 "Announcement of the new commission comes amid news earlier this week that the Vatican had refused to provide information requested by a United Nations committee about how the church handles investigations into sex abuse by priests."

The following made me skeptical.
I knew that the pope emeritus had more information on "the scandal" than any person in the world.
During previous decades there have been countless experts, internal and external who have identified what needed to be done. I have seen it first hand, to be the lack of will not the lack of knowledge. 

When obvious names like Tom Doyle, AB Martin,  AB Robinson, who called for a global council in June 2013. were missing. 

I agree, It should be ended not allowing it to be used to "delay accountability"  give "cover" to abusers and may lead to "false security".