Can the Pope be arraigned for crime against humanity ?

On September 24^th, Lucas talked about an article of the Sunday Times, dealing with quite an unusual issue. Indeed, through Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens’s point of view –they’re like the spokesman of the atheist community- we were led to wonder if Pope Benedict XVI could be brought to justice: the two collegues denounced “his alleged cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic church.” The main issue of this article is to know if the Pope should be considered as a head of state or not, giving that Vatican isn’t a member of the UN.

This article is quite polemical because if Pope Benedict XVI is not a head of state, then no immunity can be required. But as the leader of the Catholic Church, a Pope detains so much influence and sending him to justice – or even in jail – would have such huge consequences. Nevertheless, in what name a man, whatever is his status, could be exempted of any form of justice? More than an issue surrounding Pope Benedict XVI, it’s a universal question. Are there men like above any type of justice? Hitchens answers: “This man is not above or outside the law […] child rape is a crime under any law and demands not private ceremonies […] but justice and punishment."

Besides, this case is led by two atheists, which makes the proceedings less credible, notally in the eyes of Catholic church’s defenders. These last may undertake an action so that Dawkins and Hitchens are discredited. But is that enough to deny Pope’s role in the defense of sexual abuses? Should he avoid those issues just because of being at the head of Catholic Church ?

I don’t think so. There is no way religion might question justice! In our modern societies, I can’t stand the fact that religion is still so linked both with politics and justice. I’m not a believer but in my humble opinion, Pope Benedict can’t clear himself of his responsibility : no punishment would mean real pain for the young victims ; and letting a man, whoever he is, jeopardizes international justice because of his status is a big mistake. Moreover, even if these accusations are put forward by atheists, a fact’s a fact: sexual abuses and all what’s surrounding it can’t be tolerated, whatever the way it occurred and whoever committed it.

Justice has always been a topic of strong debates ; so the international justice is, undoubtedly going to be. It’s a long row to hoe that universal fairness. People are going at it hammer and tongs, but let’s say it’s for everyone’s well-being.