I agree with the pope on the overall message, though naturally the media and other assorted folks will run with the “he’s blaming someone else” angle. However, the scandals always seemed to be more about homosexuality than pedophilia, per se. Has he addressed specifically the issue of keeping homosexuals out of the seminaries?
Yes, he did not use the word “homosexual” but referred to the importance of candidates for the priesthood being sound, healthy men, and mentioned priestly formation rooted in values and faith. He’s also said it’s better to have fewer but better priests. He also addressed this issue in 2005.
The bishops know exactly what the Pope’s talking about, he probably prefers not to create a media frenzy by saying “homosexuals should not be priests” but he has implied that in various ways in different contexts. A few courageous bishops themselves also tried to get focus on that particular problem at their last US Conference.