Pope Immunity: Vatican Will Protect Benedict From Sexual Abuse Prosecution

[unhappycamper]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/pope-immunity_n_2708518.html



Pope Immunity: Vatican Will Protect Benedict From Sexual Abuse Prosecution
Reuters | By Philip Pullella Posted: 02/17/2013 10:10 pm EST | Updated: 02/17/2013 10:54 pm EST

(Reuters) - Pope Benedict's decision to live in the Vatican after he resigns will provide him with security and privacy. It will also offer legal protection from any attempt to prosecute him in connection with sexual abuse cases around the world, Church sources and legal experts say.

"His continued presence in the Vatican is necessary, otherwise he might be defenseless. He wouldn't have his immunity, his prerogatives, his security, if he is anywhere else," said one Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"It is absolutely necessary" that he stays in the Vatican, said the source, adding that Benedict should have a "dignified existence" in his remaining years.

Vatican sources said officials had three main considerations in deciding that Benedict should live in a convent in the Vatican after he resigns on February 28.

[malaise]

1. The wheels of justice grind really slowly

The biggest criminals in the world appear to have the most immunity

[melm00se]

2. Not surprising

the Vatican City is its own sovereign state so is unlikely to allow such a legal action to take place in whatever version of criminal or civil court exists there.

[The Blue Flower]

3. A tacit admission of guilt

Better than none at all.