Child abuse pandemic in Catholic church

Child abuse pandemic in Catholic church; includes video interview with Franklin Lamb, international lawyer, Beirut

An inquiry at The Hague raises more accusations that thousands of children have been sexually abused by Catholic priests since 1945.

Press TV talks with Franklin Lamb, international lawyer from Beirut in response to this latest report that has prompted an apology by Pope Benedict. It is Mr. Lamb’s opinion that there is a collective fear families have now in sending their children to Catholic schools because of sexual abuse occurrences.
Mr. Lamb says child abuse by Catholic priests and Catholic schools around the world is endemic and has been present for literally hundreds of years. The interview discusses the challenges involved with jurisdiction and what entities have the capability to take on the political power of the Vatican. Following is an approximate transcript of the interview.

Press TV: With this latest report, what can be done in order to protect children? This is not the first time that the Vatican or the priests connected to the Vatican have been charged with such abuses. Why do you think this continues to happen?

Franklin Lamb: Well, I think every Roman Catholic church, certainly in America, where the practice (sexual abuse) seems to have been rampant; but around the world is asking that same question. The families are worried about their children not only by the priests, but in the Roman Catholic schools there is some incidents of this. It’s a terrible problem. It will never go away until there is full transparency. It’s nice that Pope Benedict XVI apologizes, but that doesn’t help.