My point is that if I would go to a priest and say I have been abusing children for 40 years and all I have to do to be absolved is do some penance, that shows a serious problem. The priest should compel or even force the person to confess to the proper authorities before any absolution can be given.
Do you really think that happens? Not the abuse, the confession. I don't think these devils would ever confess any of their evil deeds.
A priest is not supposed to absolve a penitent who is not actually repentent. Someone who confesses to committing grave crimes but refuses to turn themselves in to the police is not truly repentant, IMO.