Originally Posted by DeadChannel

There is a distinct difference between systemic issues and individuals acting out. Sure, you can say that any individual instance of abuse or cover-ups is on the individuals who did those things, but at what point do you face up to the fact that the whole system is rotten and corrupt?

Again, actions don't happen in a vacuum. Considering that these types of things occured far more often in the church than in the rest of life, and considering that people in high up positions would have had to cover abuse up, I think it's safe to say that there's some particular factor within the church to blame.

At what point would you think that corruption had occured? Does the Pope himself have to know about it in order for there to be a problem?