Pope Benedict XVI spoke directly to priests and bishops Sunday, telling them they must defend children from evil.

As the Roman Catholic Church addresses accusations that it failed to protect children from sexual abuse by priests, such long-awaited statements of responsibility are essential. The Vatican’s failure to respond adequately to public outrage in Europe and the U.S. has undercut its moral authority, as well as the financial solvency of some parishes.

Benedict has spoken out with compassion and authority before, but his words seemed to be contradicted by Vatican statements that implied that the church hierarchy was the chief victim of the abuse scandals in Ireland and Germany. Speaking on Easter, Cardinal Angelo Sodano laid the church’s problems at the feet of the media and critics of the church. “Behind the unjust attacks on the pope are visions of the family and life that run contrary to the Gospel,” he said.

Vatican Radio even compared criticism of the church to the persecution of early Christian martyrs. Such hostility raises the question of whether the Vatican is prepared to face its responsibilities in this crisis.

In contrast, the pope spoke on Sunday of the good that priests and nuns can do for children, serving in the role of a “Good Shepherd.” Earlier he had confessed the church’s failings in Ireland, where hundreds of cases of abuse have come to light. “I openly express the shame and remorse we all feel,” he said in a letter to Irish Catholics.

The Irish letter showed that the church may at last be ready to confess its failings and show its contrition. In contrast to his previous reticence, Benedict expressly rebuked those who had abused children, yet assured them that “Christ’s redeeming sacrifice has the power to forgive even the gravest of sins.”

Perhaps many should be praying for such redemption on behalf of the church hierarchy as well.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.