As they say, priests, ministers, rabbi, boy scout leaders and camp counselors don't become homosexuals, homosexuals often gravitate toward becoming priests, ministers, rabbi, boy scouts and camp counselors so they can get their hands on your little Johnny.

Tim, Tampa,

If the people that write in these "deep" observations would look around and do some research instead of just taking pot-shots at an institution they maybe know next-to-nothing about, then they might find that the abuse issue is just as rampant in other religious denominations, not to mention secular institutions. I believe that many people that must write these comments and replies (including me) subconsciously have higher expectations and hope in life in an institution that has disappointed them in some way to have to keep dredging the same negative issues around. Maybe they should look into checking out what they criticize and maybe even read the right material on both sides of the issue. It may not be so easy to judge.

DM, Garfield Hts., OH

Several of these comments unfortunately reveal ignorance of the facts, as well as bias against Catholics. The ignorance involves, among other things, the fact that the rates of abuse are about that of the culture at large, and not unique to celibate clergy. It also ignores the early indications that such abuse is at about the same rates for protestant clergy, and that the rate in public schools, for example, is several times higher.

Liam Murphy, Washington, DC, USA

This from the Popes one, true church... LOL

Ed, Pensacola, FL

Why would removing celibacy stop clergy from abusing minors?

Unless you allow such predators to marry underage boys, allowing priests to marry will not do anything to reduce pedophilia.

Unless you're one of those people who think that all it takes to turn somebody into a homosexual child rapist is "not getting any."

If you're right, then the Protestants, Orthodox, and other religions should have lower sexual abuse by leaders among their ranks. News flash: proportionally, they don't.

And finally, you may be an atheist, but if you think celibacy is "unnatural" then you must have a problem with John the Baptist, Paul the apostle and Jesus Christ himself... all celibate (sorry, the Da Vinci Code was a hoax!).

Truthsayer, Arakeen, DN

You prots need to learn to mind your own business. If anything the church should be suing these "victims" for slander. Its not like the priests are kidnapping teenage girls and forcing them to convert.

FD, Granite, ILLINOIS

How wonderfully self-righteous of the critics of Pope Benedict ,who is trying to reinstill a sense of devotion and sanctity in a Church that has gone badly astray since the window was opened so widely in the 1960's. The more open the Church is to the "world" and other religions, the more it is debased by pederasts and dissidents. The critics would like the Church to be just one of many and the Pope has said loud and clear that that isn't going to happen. It would be interesting to see what stands in 100 years as the Church rights itself - the "world" or the Church.

steve hotho, Hot Springs, Arkansas

666 million sounds more like it - My deepest, heartfelt condolences to all the victims of sexual abuse everywhere.

Sonya Blade, missoula, Montana

One true faith, eh Ratzinger? I wonder in light of this settlement and the possibility of thousands of other abuse cases and cover ups that may never come to light, whether God really is best pleased with you guys. The homosexuality that you condemn is the very thorn in your side and the reason that many people "investing" in the Catholic faith are seeing their donations used to pay for crimes your cronies have committed and/or attempted to cover.

I pray that those abused by the church are able to get some degree of normalcy and closure. I also hope that they are able to see that having faith in the Catholic church is entirely different to having faith in God, the latter I hope they never lose.

Catherine, Atlanta (ExPat, USA

Pope Benedict's lack of outrage at these priests' behaviour is worrisome.

The numbers suggest that a celebrate clergy attracts sexual perverts to the priesthood. So what might this make some bishops? And archbishops? And cardinals? And the Pope?

R. Jones, Nashville, Tennessee/USA

For a Pope who considers non-Catholic churches as not True Christians, it comes as no surprise that its going to be pay $2 billon in buggery expenses. I suppose those involved in buggery must be instilling true Catholic dogma.

Why is it that the non-Catholic clergy failed to copy the clergy of the True Church in this department?

K Zaman, St. Petersburg, Florida

The world don't need this pagan religion or their priests that molest children (over 700 new cases in 2006). Now this so called church wants to tell you that it is the only true church around, when pigs fly...

schallb, milwaukee, USA

660M US$ is a tiny drop in the vast wealth of the Church. Stopping the celebacy nonsense would reduce the number of victims. Why on earth do people sign up to such unnatural doctrines?

Phil, Hong Kong,

They are the lucky ones what about the ones in the third world who do not have voice. In the law of averages I am sure there must have been alot of abuse in Africa asia and many other third world countries.

michael campbell, londonderry, N Ireland