(Thumbnail image: CNS)
The sexual abuse scandals raging on in the European Catholic Church in past weeks are increasingly putting the spotlight on the most powerful person in the Catholic Church: Pope Benedict XVI.
German news outlets first broke the story that the pope, then an archbishop in Munich, took part in a decision to move and rehabilitate a priest who was later convicted of sexually abusing young boys. But in a press release, the Vatican says those pointing blame at the pope are just on a smear campaign.
"The then archbishop was completely unconnected with the decisions in the wake of which the abuses took place... It is evident that over recent days some people have sought... elements that could personally involve the Holy Father in questions of abuse."
Germany's The Local reports some religious reform groups are disappointed the pope hasn't taken more responsibility.
"Many Catholics who are faithful to the Church regret the fact that Benedict XVI has failed to express a single word of sympathy."
France 24 says the damage is already done to reputations of both the Vatican and the pope.
Reporter: "Even if it is claimed that Benedict was not directly responsible for the cover-up, the fact that the Vatican again has to defend itself really reflects badly both on the institution and the pope himself."
But on CNN, Vatican analyst John Allen says the claims might damage Benedict's "moral credibility", but they won't hurt his job.
"Is he likely to resign? No. The last pope to resign was in the 12th century. To date, very few Catholic bishops of any sort have resigned over mishandling the crisis."
Writer: Elizabeth Eberlin
Producer: Newsy Staff
