Absolute freedom of religion means that a given religion is free to determine its relation to the state. Under caesaropapist liberalism, even in its American form, the state defines the bounds and authority of religion. Is it any wonder that the Vatican is skeptical of such pretension?
The Vatican's skepticism in this particular case makes it appear to be soft on sexual perversion toward children.
I gotta go to the cops to keep Father's hands off my kid, while the Vatican tut-tuts that I'm going over the head of a bishop who protects these pervs?