"[C]lerical abuse had been recognized for centuries as a grievous but fortunately uncommon failing."


Adapted form Philip F. Lawler's book, The Faithful Departed, The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture. 2008.

Pages 137 - 138.


"[C]lerical abuse had been recognized for centuries as a grievous but fortunately uncommon failing.

"When the problem did occasionally flare up and capture public attention, Church leaders were inclined to deal with it openly.

"In 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council reminded bishops of their duty to punish abusers severely.

"[T]he Council declared, Prelates who dare support such in their iniquities shall be subject to a like punishment.

"In 1568 Pope Pius V lamented that the papal states had been polluted by sexual abuse.

"To curtail this detestable monstrosity, he ruled that any priest found guilty of sexual abuse should be stripped of his clerical status and privilege and handed over to the secular courts.

"The secular courts were likely to punish their offenses by the death penalty: a prospect that did not worry the pontiff at all.

"On the contrary Pius V -- today known to Catholics as Saint Pius V -- said that severe punishment would send a useful message to other clerics who might be tempted to pray on children.

"He calmly observed whoever does not abhor the ruination of the soul, the avenging secular sword of civil law will certainly deter."