After all the studies are done, after new protocols and safeguards are in place, Benedict's answer will be the one which endures.

It has now become excruciatingly clear that there is a problem in the clergy of the Catholic Church.

Peter Steinfels's long career in journalism included years of service as editor of Commonweal (from which perch he took me to the woodshed more than once), followed by a decade as senior religion correspondent of the New York Times.

Before the sexual revolution, Catholics and the broader world stressed responsibility, gravity and adult standards of behavior.

In thin-skinned times such as these, Archbishop Viganò's most recent letter shines forth as a clarion call to Catholics everywhere.

Catholic scandals past and present.

"By sexually abusing children, Satan desires to destroy the icon of the kingdom of God."

It has been a news week quite unlike any other I have experienced in more than 20 years of Catholic journalism.

I have never seen so many "ordinary Catholics" — who usually never follow or hear about Church news — as deeply troubled as I have seen them in response to the recent revelations about the retired archbishop of Washington, DC.

Is the Church doing enough?