From A Layman's View

http://www.cardinalseansblog.org/2010/03/26/a-week-of-significant-events/ 
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20100319_church-ireland_en.html 
    Taking a cue from what was just shared in an email group and from Cardinal Sean's blog.
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter to the Church in Ireland. Of course letters coming from the Pontiff are usually for public consumption- meaning for all its faithful. It is oftentimes directly addressed to bishops though as with this particular letter. Then came the news from Germany of investigations made on the same issue as that of Ireland. American public followed suit. Philippine media is hot on it, not long after the much heated debate on Reproductive Health Bill.
    Going back to Pontiff's letter, in general it is about a move of the Vatican to reconcile with and make reparations for the victims of sexual abuse committed by some of the clergy. To the extent of prosecuting those suspected under the state's criminal justice system. In other words, suspect gets to be tried, indicted and finally sentenced to imprisonment No whitewash whatsoever.
     What I understand is the Church itself has its own kind of system dealing with wrongdoings- from simple personal sins(e.g. Penance) to all kinds of misdeeds(e.g. Excommunication). With that of its clergy, there are sets of rule followed strictly. Anyone breaking it are dealt with accordingly. Same with military rule or codes of conduct, a priest found guilty are defrocked or "dishonorably discharged" so to speak. But the Church preaches charity as well, punishments are applied with a sense of compassion. Unlike that of a civilian and military court where, in extreme cases, the punishment maybe the gas chamber or a firing squad. That said, what was or is still being impressed is that Church authorities are either being lenient or may be condoning its members'  wrongdoings. In fact, Pope John Paul II have been  onto this matter during his pontificate. Then Cardinal Ratzinger , the present pope, being one of his many counsels.  Now to criticize Pope Benedict, put the blame on him, and intend to demean his very person on all fronts is very unfair. In passing, Dan Brown's novel somehow laid the groundwork for the demolition job against the papacy.
    Presently, anyone having an axe to grind(may it be just a grudge or legitimate complaint) with the Church or its members will find the current controversy just the right vehicle on which to ride on. And that means anyone including church members themselves. Bishops are not spared from some petty gossips and rumor mongering; yet they are not so quick as to immediately file appropriate charges in the courts. The whole Church finding herself seemingly surrounded by cannons everywhere.

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;

Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.

There goes the Light Brigade.