During the 1970s, there was a certain amount of indifference, even indulgence, toward pedophilia. Now, some argue, public censure in France has unfairly singled out Catholic clergy. But when it concerns a teacher, a policeman or a doctor, the reaction is silence. Other professions have remained more discreet, even though they don't have fewer sexual delinquents. Beyond November's statement, Catholic authorities say they have taken other steps to crack down on sexual abuse among their clergy.
Seminaries say they now screen candidates more closely for aberrant behavior.
And the church has broached sensitive sexual topics with unprecedented frankness, officials said. I don't think today there are more pedophilic priests than yesterday.