Since joining the Hitler youth was mandatory for children in Nazi Germany, I don't see how this is a moral failure. Does Mr. Shanley really expect every 15 year old to become a martyr by refusing to join, thereby having himself (and probably his parents) imprisoned or shot?
An excellent point. Keep in mind, this is raised by the secular media who are ignorant of facts. Back in April, 2005, shortly after the election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger to the papacy, the same stories circulated. I bookmarked this thread - Ratzinger a Nazi? Don't believe it