Rather than study the situation, church authorities should simply allow the legal system to do its work. If there are fair trials which are monitored by the press, it should then become clear whether or not the charges of pedophilia are justified and those priests found guilty will be punished, while those found not guilty will be exonerated.

That church officials should seek to protect any rapist is an abomination and a betrayal of sacred trust. Rather than being concerned for the pschological well-being of the accused clergy – who, it must be said are “innocent until proven guilty” in

a court of law – Catholic officialdom should be doing all in its power to assist the victims.

Nevertheless, no church or any other religious group should be defined by its officialdom but instead by the countless sincere believers who live according to the tenets of their religion.

The many Catholics in the United States – including most clergy – will have to make sure that their bishops are reminded of their pastoral responsibilities. Perhaps the Bishop of Rome may help them.

Speaking of the church, on his last day in Toronto, Pope John Paul told the youth of the world: "Do not be discouraged by the sins and failings of some of her members. The harm done by some priests and religious to the young and vulnerable fills us all with a deep sense of sadness and shame" - a reference to scandals in the United States and elsewhere.

"But, think of the vast majority of dedicated and generous priests and religious whose only wish is to serve and do good!" he said.