“That has become the foundation of a main liberal argument;”
The Vatican has been very liberal in their approach to child molesters, IMHO. As Monty Python said “nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition,” but essentially a response of there but for the grace of God go I is a little weak.
The Pope either has control or he doesn’t. Making foreign heads of state arguments brings him down to the level of a politician, unbecoming of a Prelate.
Contrary to your humble opinion, Pope Benedict as worked very hard and accomplished a great deal against abuse. His and the Church’s efforts have been very effective.