ABSTRACT
To say that the sexual abuse of minors has probably been the worst catastrophe experienced in modern times by the Roman Catholic Church is not too bold a statement. That Church has suffered harsh persecutions, with thousands of victims, during the 20th century, and considerable limitations and harassments at the hands of hostile governments, ethnic groups, and other religions, but such hardships have rather increased its credibility and given new strength, even if it weakened its ranks in many areas. Perhaps the only event that could be compared in its negative consequences would be the complicities of Catholic officials and broad sectors with authoritarian regimes, or even their involvement in processes that entailed violence, racism, and exploitation of marginalized or dominated populations. However, the most recent crisis has shown a deeply flawed condition in Catholic institutions, something that has revealed its weakness and even dark sides, despite its claims to be a better society, one revealing a true brotherhood and greater levels of justice and solidarity.
