"In last weekend’s letter of apology to the Catholics of Ireland, Pope Benedict took refuge in proclaiming that the problem of child abuse, and the cruelty of its covering up, were not born of the criminal failings of an opaque and authoritarian Church.

No, they arose because of “social change” and because Ireland had become too secular.It is all very well, though not very taxing, to express regret for the sins of others. It is equally well to speak of your shame for the way that others have behaved. But expressions of remorse are perhaps best served by awareness, including an awareness of self."

Call the police: what the Pope should have said | Ken Macdonald - Times Online