While the vast majority of discussion surrounding Pope Benedict XVI’s historic voluntary exit from the Catholic Church has focused upon his next steps, some critics have spent their time pushing for the faith leader to be put on trial following his departure. With Benedict preparing to vacate the papacy in just days, victims rights advocates are open about their desire for his prosecution over the abuse scandal that continues to rock the Catholic Church.
Of course, the image of the pope sitting in a courtroom is relatively outlandish — and an unlikely development. But that hasn’t stopped some from trying to legally pin the crimes of select priests on the head of the Catholic Church. The potential scenario was apparently so troublesome that it was reportedly a factor in Benedict’s decision to continue taking up residence at the Vatican.
One Vatican official told Reuters that Benedict’s decision...
Dr. Alan Cairns | 8/3/2009
