“pedophile priest scandal “
To be clear, and based on your stats, it is more correctly and accurately stated as “HOMOSEXUAL pedophile priest scandal”
Precisely, I agree, should have added that to be more accurate.
The Church’s policy of mandatory clerical celibacy created a perfect environment for this scandal to occur: An all male environment. A good ole boy network to cover up incidents and shuffle priests around from one place to the next. An atmosphere of secrecy. No shortage of young boys to prey upon among altar servers, Catholic school children, and among the parishioners. No shortage of youth to prey upon (instead of pray over).
Also keep in mind, back in the day, long before homosexuality was accepted and glamorized and glorified as it is today, the Church was seen by many as a natural refuge for men who did not want to get married. Also, back in those days, few would dare question the veracity and integrity of a Catholic priest so it was a perfect cover for many.