Pope Benedict Knew of Sexual Abuse Before Becoming Pope

Pope Benedict is now in a harsh spotlight as new information comes out that shows he knew of the sexual abuse by a German priest before he was named Pope. The abuse, which reportedly happened in 1979 to three boys, was committed by Father Peter Hullerman, was made known to then Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI.

Instead of reporting the abuse, Pope Benedict gave Father Hullerman, now 62, a new job in Munich and sent him to psychotherapy under the psychiatrist Werner Huth. Huth told the then Archbishop that the priest was untreatable.

In an interview this week with The Sunday Times, Huth stated, "I told the church officials that Hullermann must never be allowed to work with children again. He did not seem to want or be able to co-operate fully during the therapy. He had an alcohol problem and the assaults on the children mostly happened when he had been under the influence of alcohol."

However, Huth's reports were ignored, and Father Hullerman not only was a pastor, but also taught religion in a local state school. After being caught again, this time showing porn to young boys and more sexual abuse, he was only fined and was given a period of probation. Even after his probation, he was allowed to work with children again.

Last Monday, he was suspended and it was finally brought to light the years of abuse with no real repercussions. Pope Benedict is now under scrutiny as well as Father Hullerman for ignoring the sexual abuse back in 1979 and allowing Father Hullerman to be around children, even after numerous abuse cases.

Pope Benedict issued an apology, but many are not satisfied. People want the Pope to issue a decree that any priest or bishop that is aware of any abuse to report it to the authorities. But as of now, the letter of apology seems like all the Pope is willing to give.