I figure that the essential doctrine of Catholic faith: that redemption from sin through faith in Jesus Christ, means that the sin of child molestation is forgiven by the RC Church, if the sinner confesses.
If a Bishop believes that, he may be disposed to think that his direction to ‘go and sin no more’ may mean something.
1) Bishops never hear the confessions of any of their priests, because if they did, they would be bound by the Seal of Confession, which would interfere with their ability to govern.
2) Every diocese has a policy, if any allegation of any illegal activity by a priest is made, of calling the police. This has been the case for more than ten years.