http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/aug/17/religion.childprotection

In the early 60s, bishops were threatened with excommunication by John XXIII for making public charges of sex abuse against priests. This remained in effect in 2003 under direction of Cardinal Ratzinger.


"Lawyers point to a letter the Vatican sent to bishops in May 2001 clearly stating the 1962 instruction was in force until then. The letter is signed by Cardinal Ratzinger, the most powerful man in Rome beside the Pope and who heads the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith"

My point is that Ratzinger was then operating under rules from the Vatican. Excommunication is the harshest punishment the church can inflict on a believer. His choice regarding dealing with abusive priest,guided by his faith, would have been clear.

Observation not opinion.