Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbuna
The biggest negative factor is that he was in charge during the period of some of the most devastating child sex revelations.
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Right, but as large an issue as this is in the outside world it's pretty much dust under the carpet in Catholic circles.
Personally, I don't attach a large degree of personal blame on John Paul himself as I think the institution was already corrupt when he took over. That being said, (while I don't think he should be blamed for the misdeeds of individual priests), he does become culpable in my mind for the lack of a more appropriate response. This is where I think his leadership (or lack thereof) should be measured.
IMO, his primary shortcoming was in failing to help reform the institution in the wake of such shocking scandal. This is where I think he erred on the side of the status quo.