Me too. It's pulling me away from the Catholic church as I've come to view the Pope himself to likely be in on it.
But if you haven't noticed, more and more it's become apparent that it's not an exclusively Catholic problem.
It is a wide ranging problem which doesn’t make it better. Priests are supposed to help not destroy people.
to Pepsi_junkie…
The sins of priests or any other people should not keep you away from the faith that is 2000 years old. So sad, but true, that the harm from this scandal is continuing to affect even innocent Catholics. Abandoning the church separates you from receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The tragedy of the sexual scandals and abuses of minors by some members of the clergy do not negate the very important Holy Eucharist wherein faithful people can receive the Body and Blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Just my opinion. Hang in there and pray for a new St. Francis of Assisi to come forth and rebuild the church.
While it's true that a small percentage of priests have failed in their moral duty, this is also true in other religious organizations, as well as secular groups and associations. The Catholic Church is the easiest target for attack because of its central leadership. You realize, of course, the devil hates the Catholic Church and uses all means necessary to demolish it. However, we have the reassurance of Christ Himself (Mt. 16:18) that the gates of hell will not prevail against the destruction of His Church. It is not the moral failings of a few but the teachings of the whole that we need to look at. There are many wonderful priests, bishops and cardinals who have devoted their lives to protecting the deposit of faith. Follow the words of Christ to St. Faustina: "Jesus, I trust in you!"