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Yes, somehow that never seems to be a part of the penance. Actually, in confession I'm not sure whether restitution (or even apology) is ever required of the one confessing to the one who has been hurt. If that is true then how odd it is that asking forgiveness of one's aggrieved brother plays no part in Catholic penance.

I know the practice in the early years of the church was for Christians to gather together and confess their sins to the whole body. I think this was probably a lot wiser than I originally thought.

Now, if long ago he had his hands personally all over such a transfer, with knowledge, then there may or may not be a German law covering this. By our standards, the huge problem would be showing that the Pope somehow should have known that all of his underlings were wrong in saying that such and such a priest was now fit for duty.

I believe the only "smoking gun" they have is the memo he was cc'd on. It would be pretty hard to say based on that he was aware of what was going on.

I know I don't want to be to close to the Great White Throne Judgment when those who committed these crimes and those who protected them come before Jesus.