The text of Benny XVI's letter

Whispers in the Loggia.

Pope Benedict XVI has analysed the problem: social change led people to neglect frequent confessions, daily prayer and annual retreats.

Misinterpretation of Vatican II led to:

well-intentioned but misguided tendency to avoid penal approaches to canonically irregular situations

(an interesting explanation for colluding in the cover up of serious crimes)

He encourages the victims of sexual abuse to go to church to find healing (oh, the irony!)

And to the criminal perpetrators, he says:

I urge you to examine your conscience, take responsibility for the sins you have committed, and humbly express your sorrow... Christ’s redeeming sacrifice has the power to forgive even the gravest of sins

(Say ten Hail Marys, an Our Father and several Glory Bes and everything will be just cool)

In conclusion:

Particular attention should also be given to Eucharistic adoration... Through intense prayer before the real presence of the Lord, you can make reparation for the sins of abuse that have done so much harm, at the same time imploring the grace of renewed strength and a deeper sense of mission

(I bet that will go great with those whose lives were ruined by sexual predators - knowing that all across Ireland, several people will be self-indulging in a bit of Eucharist Adoration with a few pints and a hotpot in the church hall afterwards)

I am confident that this programme will lead to a rebirth of the Church in Ireland

(actually, that's all he's interested in, ultimately, bums on benches)

And the ultimate conclusion - it's all the fault of secular society. "Not my problem" says Pope

See also

'Pastoral Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland'