Author Jason Berry in the New York Times spotlights Pope Benedict XVI’s evolving role in the “notorious case of the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, a powerful Mexican priest who founded his own order and lives in its seminary in Rome.” Berry’s somewhat optimistic assessment:

Historians will debate why the politically visionary Pope John Paul II, who was well briefed by many bishops on the sex abuse scandals that erupted in 1993, stood passive, offering minimal leadership as criminal and civil actions mounted around the world. And they may yet be surprised by Pope Benedict XVI: if he stays true to his moral absolutism, the Vatican could take a stronger stance against priests who have molested children.

But the Independent has a different take and notes:

When Cardinal Ratzinger was asked about the accusations he brushed the questions aside. On one occasion he literally slapped the wrist of an American television reporter, Brian Ross, who had the temerity to raise the issue. On another occasion Cardinal Ratzinger said: “One can’t put on trial such a close friend of the Pope’s as Marcial Maciel.”

ABC’s report is here.

A separate New York Times report on the pope’s decision to re-open the case after shelving it in 1999 is here.

Meanwhile, the London Observer runs with claims that the Pope obstructed the investigation of molestation cases by issuing a secrecy order in May 2001 sent to every Catholic bishop:

[Then-Cardinal Ratzinger's] letter states that the church can claim jurisdiction in cases where abuse has been ‘perpetrated with a minor by a cleric’. The letter states that the church’s jurisdiction ‘begins to run from the day when the minor has completed the 18th year of age’ and lasts for 10 years.

It orders that ‘preliminary investigations’ into any claims of abuse should be sent to Ratzinger’s office, which has the option of referring them back to private tribunals in which the ‘functions of judge, promoter of justice, notary and legal representative can validly be performed for these cases only by priests’.

‘Cases of this kind are subject to the pontifical secret,’ Ratzinger’s letter concludes. Breaching the pontifical secret at any time while the 10-year jurisdiction order is operating carries penalties, including the threat of excommunication.

The letter is referred to in documents relating to a lawsuit filed earlier this year against a church in Texas and Ratzinger on behalf of two alleged abuse victims. By sending the letter, lawyers acting for the alleged victims claim the cardinal conspired to obstruct justice.

Daniel Shea, the lawyer for the two alleged victims who discovered the letter, said: ‘It speaks for itself. You have to ask: why do you not start the clock ticking until the kid turns 18? It’s an obstruction of justice.’

Father John Beal, professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America, gave an oral deposition under oath on 8 April last year in which he admitted to Shea that the letter extended the church’s jurisdiction and control over sexual assault crimes.

The Ratzinger letter was co-signed by Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone who gave an interview two years ago in which he hinted at the church’s opposition to allowing outside agencies to investigate abuse claims.

(Hat tip: Dan Riehl)

The National Catholic Reporter’s abuse tracker is here.

The Pope Blog does not mention any of these stories, but does cover Pope Benedict XVI’s homily at today’s inauguration mass, which included “a plea for ecumenism, citing the desire to gather one flock, one shepherd. He also urged young people to be open to Jesus Christ.” Excerpts from the homily:

In this moment, my memory goes back to the day Pope John Paul II began his ministry in St. Peter’s Square. His words echo in my ears: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”… If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing. It is only in this friendship that we experience everything that is beautiful and everything that is free.

…

Dear young people, do not be afraid of Christ. He takes nothing away and He gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive 100-fold in return. Yes, open wide the doors to Christ and you will find true life. Amen!

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Related:

Goodbye, Good Men
The Elephant in the Sacristy